Accademia Arcadia – J.S. Bach’s Musical Offering

Experience the sounds of the 18th century like never before with the only copy of a Cristofori Piano in the Southern Hemisphere.

Step back in time to the world of 1700, and witness the origins of a revolutionary classical approach and the invention of a new keyboard instrument that could shape and shade dynamics. Accademia Arcadia, an Aria-nominated chamber ensemble formed by Jacqueline Ogeil, takes audiences on a journey through baroque and early classical chamber music, including the trio-sonata, cantata, early opera, and grand liturgical genres.

With a timbre closer to a harpsichord, a Cristofori piano (c.1730) features a range of 54 keys rather than the standard 88. Differing greatly to what we know as the modern piano today, its harder hammers and thinner strings allowed pianists the ability to wonderfully express feeling and colour for the first time.

About the concert

Experience the sounds of the 18th century like never before with the only copy of a Cristofori piano in the Southern Hemisphere, commissioned by Ogeil and supported by the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Directed by internationally acclaimed Bach expert John O’Donnell, this incredible instrument allows the performers to present a new interpretative approach to J.S. Bach’s Musical Offering. Allow Accademia Arcadia to transport you to a time of musical innovation and beauty.