Bach Collegium Japan created a revolution in the musical world by usurping Germany's position as masters of the music of JS Bach, gaining top awards and worldwide critical acclaim.
And now, Perth Concert Hall has scored a spectacular UK exclusive in welcoming Bach Collegium Japan with their musical director Masaaki Suzuki for a weekend residency in March.
The event from 2 - 4 March is the only chance to see the world class ensemble of period instrumentalists performing in the UK in season 2011-2012.
Founded by inspirational music director Masaaki Suzuki in 1990, Bach Collegium Japan was initially regarded with scepticism, coming from a country where classical music and Christianity are not core to the culture. In mastering the complex works of Bach and his contemporaries, Bach Collegium Japan has established a reputation as one of the world's most brilliant baroque ensembles.
Masaaki Suzuki is revered as a leading authority on the works of Bach taking the ensemble regularly to major venues and festivals in Europe and the USA, gaining worldwide renown for the expressive refinement and truth of his performances.
For the weekend residency in Perth Concert Hall, Masaaki Suzuki has devised three programmes ranging across the baroque era with richly varied instrumentation. Soloists include soprano Joanne Lunn, who is internationally renowned for her performances of Bach as well as acclaimed soloists on violin, organ, bassoon, oboe, recorder, flute and harpsichord.
The first concert on Friday 2 March features virtuoso recorder and organ playing on works by Telemann and Handel as a prelude to JS Bach's Concerto for 2 violins in D minor and Cantata 84 ‘Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke'
On Saturday 3 March there is the opportunity to get up close and personal with Masaaki Suzuki as he invites audiences to join him in conversation with fellow Bach enthusiast, Dunedin Consort's John Butt.
Saturday's concert features Handel's Concerto Grosso in G minor, Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto ‘La Notte' framed by Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.2 and his Cantata 199 ‘Mein Herze schwimmt in Blut'.
Concluding the weekend on Sunday 4 March are two timeless masterpieces - Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.5 for virtuoso keyboard and his showpiece for solo trumpet and soprano - Jauchzet Gott - plus works for recorder, flute and oboe by Telemann and Platti.
Commenting on the residency which is expected to attract audiences from throughout the UK, Perth Concert Hall's creative director for classical music, James Waters said:
"The acoustics of Perth Concert Hall are perfect for baroque music and we are thrilled to secure this UK exclusive with Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan.
The programme has been devised to give members of the group the opportunity to showcase their skills as soloists as well as their close ensemble playing and we are looking forward to it immensely.
The opportunity to enjoy this extraordinary ensemble in Perth Concert Hall for a whole weekend is great for our classical audience and further endorses our reputation as a venue of choice for world class musicians."
For tickets and info, contact Horsecross Arts Box Office on 01738 621031, or click here.