Project Partners
Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is the most significant setting of the biblical story of the Passion of Christ in the history of Western music. Moreover, it is often seen as a cultural treasure of a dimension that unites nations. “Greatly Inspired” by this work, an exciting evening lasting 75 minutes unfolds. The project title “St Matthew Passion-2727” is motivated by the questions – what will happen to this work 1000 years after its first performance in 1727, and, what will happen on the way there? The dance that accompanies Bach’s music onstage portrays neither world views nor doctrines. Rather, universally recognized human experiences come into play and are markedly perceived: suffering and envy; grief and betrayal. These emotions appear in the voices and designs of familiar characters in choreographed arias of Judas and Peter, Pontius Pilate and Jesus, and, in the voices of the people. Beginning with the final chorus of the St. Matthew Passion, “We sit down with tears,” the music jumps from station to station and a kaleidoscope of Passion scenes unfolds, which each listener relates to their own experiences, linking them in turn to new ones. Chorale moments offer dramaturgical moments of repose and commentary, giving structure to the evening through lively meditation.
Kamea Dance Company, Photos: peuserdesign.de
Cast
Kamea Dance Company
Tamir Ginz choreography
Kantorei Barmen-Gemarke
Four vocal soloists
l’arte del mondo (25 musicians)
Werner Ehrhardt artistic director
Kamea Dance Company, Photos: peuserdesign.de
Israeli Jews engage with the New Testament! Dance as an expressive means of body language determines the action onstage; subtle illumination focuses attention on individual figures. The music is played and sung live. The choral group Kantorei Barmen-Gemarke and the internationally renowned Baroque orchestra l’arte del mondo envision themselves as ensembles that reinvigorate traditional performances within the context of the vibrant, dynamic milieu of a contemporary interpretation of Bach’s timeless work.
This mindset gave rise to the idea of adding a visual component to Bach’s music through modern dance. Simultaneous perception through sight and sound intensifies the experience of the audience. We feel that in modern dance, a medium that expresses language of the body and of ideas, Bach’s eloquent music finds an ideal complement.
The cooperation between the Kamea Dance Company, the Kantorei Barmen-Gemarke, l’arte del mondo and Bayer Kultur makes for an ideal partnership for creatively and innovative realization for the project through an entirely new concept – historical performance combined with visionary expression through dance – that is fundamentally different from existing interpretations. Additionally, the international and cultural aspects of this project are equally of great importance.
Founded in 2002 by Daniella Schapira and Tamir Ginz, Kamea Dance Company is one of the leading “voices” in the Israeli dance scene. Ever since, it has captivated audiences with works that unite rich and virtuosic dance movements with intriguing, dramatic themes. Kamea is based in Be’er-Sheva.
Conveyance of Tremendous Drama through Dance: “St Matthew Passion-2727”
St Matthew Passion-2727
Unterstützung der Tournee April 2022
