Bach, the Universe and Everything: Astronomical Instruments

Wonder meets reason in the new season's opening edition of Bach, the Universe and Everything. A Bach cantata that bridges worlds, alongside scientific artefacts that reveal how looking beyond our home planet has helped humanity to find its place in the Universe.

In a concert series with a difference – inspired by JS Bach, composer and intergalactic genius – Bach, the Universe and Everything takes audiences on a cosmic adventure in which music meets astronomy. Expect awe, beauty and big ideas.

In Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein (BWV 2) Bach draws together old and new styles. For the words of Martin Luther, he builds on the Renaissance motet tradition, with its intricately woven vocal lines. For the more contemporary poetry he adopts the modern 'concerto' style, infusing colour, drama and remarkable musical invention.

Guest speaker Laura Joy Pieters introduces astronomical instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. Through them, she reveals how astronomy shaped the worldview of their age – and how it continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and the universe today. Laura Joy Pieters is Curator of Mathematical Sciences at the Science Museum in London, an actress and visual artist.

This season also features motets by the English composer Richard Dering (c. 1580–1630). A Catholic convert, he spent much of his career working in continental Europe before returning to England in 1625 to serve in the court of Queen Henrietta Maria. Dering's music bridged the Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Programme:
JS Bach Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein (Ah God, look down from heaven), BWV 2
Richard Dering Factum est silentium

Performers:
Laura Joy Pieters speaker
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Steven Devine music director