In his final year as Artistic Director, Roland Peelman has chosen to open the festival with William Barton, Persian tar player Hamed Sadeghi and Belgian jazz pianist Bram De Looze, as well as Lior and Nigel Westlake’s Compassion. Guitar virtuoso Pavel Ralev, violist Florian Peelman, France’s Trio Karénine and Dudok Quartet Amsterdam all make an appearance, as do Bach Akademie Australia and Luminescence Chamber Singers, in what promises to be an exciting week in the nation’s capital.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Compiled in 1721, and presented to the margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt in Berlin, the six concertos written for a diverse, demanding and sometimes daring combination of instruments, represent some of the most jubilant, joyful music of the 18th century. It took 100 years for Bach’s manuscript to be discovered, and another almost 100 years before the first recording was made. The pieces represent some of Bach’s finest instrumental writing and are now widely regarded as a milestone in Western music.

This supreme example of unbridled musical energy is brought to you by Bach Akademie Australia, making its welcome return to the festival.