Usher Hall,
Edinburgh
Perhaps the most striking innovation of Nicola Benedetti’s tenure at the helm of the Edinburgh International Festival has been her reshaping of its music programme, not least through ‘beanbag concerts’ at the Usher Hall, which aim to challenge traditional perceptions of classical music. In one such concert, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment explored some of the greatest hits of the Bach back catalogue to the accompaniment of fourteen breakdancers.
The OAE are resident orchestra at Acland Burghley Academy School in Camden in north London, the only UK orchestra to be based full-time in a state school, and five pupils from the school performed alongside the professional dancers on stage. So assured were these young performers in embodying Kim Brandstrup’s choreography—and so seamlessly have they integrated into the company—that it was almost impossible to distinguish them from the seasoned professionals.
Whilst the breakdancing itself was impressive, I’m not sure how well it complemented the music. By and large, the choreography aligned well with the rhythms of each Bach piece, but it felt more like an interesting addition to the classical music, rather than a revelation of something within it.
However, you know you are in safe hands with an orchestra of this reputation, and their playing was raw, energetic and powerful, whilst still showcasing the genius of Bach’s skills as a composer. It was particularly encouraging to see so many young people in the audience, many of whom were not only hearing Bach for the first time but probably a live orchestra as well.
Equally impressive was Ellie Wintour’s gleaming metal rostrum design, which threw spectacular shadows across the space and signalled from the moment you settled into your beanbag that this would be no ordinary classical concert.