BY CELINE CHONG, 2017 CUTCOMMON YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR
Dots+Loops Companions Festival
Cupo, 8 September
What’d you miss?
- Baroque going contemporary
- Platters and preludes
- International cellist and local DJ alike
Described as “neither a classical concert or a club gig”, Dots+Loops Companions brought the best of both worlds. Held at the unique venue of Cupo, the atmosphere was that of a concert, yet the vibe was casual, upbeat and incredibly social. And with fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, platters of delicious food and a fabulous program of old and new music, what more could you ask for on a Friday night?
Bang on a Can cellist Ashley Bathgate featured in the first concert, presenting the Bach Unwound project. A collaborative effort with America’s Sleeping Giant Composer Collective, Bach Unwound is a post-genre re-interpretation of Bach’s cello suites. The new work, ASH, consists of six pieces, each by a different composer from the collective and each inspired by different aspects of Bach’s original cello suites. However, to begin the evening, we were treated to an all-time favourite: Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G major.
From the first notes of the famous Prelude, we were instantly enthralled. The hush in the room was tangible as the arpeggios began, and Ashley played with a warm, full and resonant tone, highlighting the beauty of her instrument. Hearing this suite performed live was a special experience, like listening to your favourite recording but with that little bit of extra sparkle and excitement. The following dances were buoyant and energetic and Ashley’s performance was earnest and radiated authenticity. The performance of ASH soon followed and it was a fascinating experience to see how each composer was influenced by Bach. Fragments of gigues, pre-recorded loops, reverbs, and pedal points were intertwined and combined, resulting in a cohesive new suite with clear ties to its source of inspiration. And it certainly made for a thought-provoking concert experience to hear both suites one after the other.
Finally, the night was closed by DJ Kieran Welch, and we were all taken back to the “club gig” vibe. Dots+Loops Companions was a unique event. In a beautiful setting, with a well-thought out program and a fun atmosphere, it was a night to remember – a relaxed and social evening with great music and great company.
Images supplied.
