Vancouver Playhouse
Bach & Mandolin with Alon Sariel and the PBO
Works by: Bach, Vivaldi, Barbella, & Weiner
Artists: Alon Sariel, mandolin & the Pacific Baroque Orchestra directed by Alexander Weimann
Pre-Concert Chat: 7pm with Alon Sariel and Alexander Weimann hosted by Suzie LeBlanc
“Bach & the Mandolin” is centered around Bach’s Italian Concerto and a reconstruction of this concerto by Amit Weiner (2019). The remainder of the programme explores some of the exquisite Neapolitan repertoire for mandolin and orchestra, as well as other Italian sources of inspiration, such as Vivaldi, whose music Johann Sebastian copied and used for transcriptions of his own.
Concert generously sponsored by Anona Thorne and Takao Tanabe; Artist-in-Residence sponsored by Birgit Westergaard and Norman Gladstone
Runtime: 75 min + intermission
PROGRAMME
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Italian Concerto, BWV 971 arranged for mandolin and orchestra by Alon Sariel
Allegro
Andante
Presto
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto for 2 Violins in A minor, RV 522
Allegro
Larghetto e spiritoso
Allegro
Francesco Durante (1684-1755)
Concerto IV in E minor
Adagio
Ricercar del quarto tono
Largo
Presto
E. Barbella
Mandolin Concerto in D Major
Allegro ma non presto
Andantino
Giga allegro
Interval
Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816)
Concerto for Mandolin & Strings in C Major
Tempo giusto
Larghetto alla siciliana
Allegro
J.S. Bach
Fugue on a theme by Corelli, BWV 579
Amit Weiner (b. 1981)
“Walk with Bach” – a Journey Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra inspired by Bach’s Italian Concerto commissioned by Alon Sariel
Alon Sariel | Sponsored by Birgit Westergaard and Norman Gladstone, mandolin
Philharmonic hall, not jazz podium; Mozart festival not cult TV rock programme – back then, Alon Sariel had not foreseen how things would develop: back then, in 1994, when his music teacher told the eight-year-old that the mandolin and the electric guitar were “basically the same thing”. This was a momentous deception that was to deliver to the world of music one of the most versatile mandolin players, lutenists and ensemble directors of the present day. In his concert programmes, Alon uses the lute, Baroque guitar, oud and other plucked instruments to give his audiences the most diverse musical experiences. The mandolin, which has survived the centuries and found its place in the most varied of music styles and cultures, occupies a very special place in his heart.
His many acclaimed recordings of Renaissance and Baroque works – his album “Telemandolin” was recognised in 2018 with an OPUS Klassik award – have firmly established him in the public eye as a specialist for early music. His work with international soloists and ensembles such as Maurice Steger, Andreas Scholl, Lautten Compagney, Norway’s Barokksolistene and many others attests to his reputation. That said, Alon’s guiding principle is a changing perspective. In other words: giving new life to existing material, as well as creating completely new works.
That is why Alon, as soloist and conductor, frequently brings contemporary compositions both to the stage and into the studio. He conducted the Munich Chamber Orchester in Markus Stockhausen’s “Symbiosis”, premiered as soloist with the Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin Gilad Hochman’s “Nedudim”, and commissioned two new works for mandolin from Uri Caine for the Beethoven anniversary year in 2020. His album and PENTATONE debut “Plucked Bach” is a journey through Bach’s Cello Suites on six of his different plucked instruments, with a follow-up “Plucked Bach II” released in 2023.
Looking beyond the scope of a professional musician, Alon is an active member of Rhapsody in School, introducing classical music to schoolchildren of all ages. Furthermore, he supported the Live Music Now Foundation and has played in Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Animal protection is also an important issue for Alon; he has been an ambassador for the Pro Animale charity since 2021.
Alexander Weimann | Sponsored by Bruce Munro Wright, O.B.C., director
The internationally renowned keyboard artist Alexander Weimann has spent his life enveloped by the therapeutic power and beauty of making music. Alex grew up in Munich. At age three he became fascinated by the intense magic of the church organ. He started piano at six, formal organ lessons at 12 and harpsichord at university (along with theatre theory, medieval Latin and jazz piano.) He is in huge demand as a director, soloist and chamber player, traveling the world with leading North American and European ensembles. He is Artistic Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver and teaches at the University of British Columbia where he directs the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme.
Alex has appeared on more than 100 recordings, including the Juno-award-winning album “Prima Donna” with Karina Gauvin and Arion Baroque orchestra. His latest album series “The Art of Improvisation” (Volume 1: A Prayer for Peace; Volume 2: Ad libitum; and Volume 3: Canavian Variations, released on Redshift, 2024) unites his passions for both baroque music and improvisation on organ, harpsichord, and piano.
Pacific Baroque Orchestra
The ‘house band’ of Early Music Vancouver, The Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is recognized as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles performing “early music for modern ears.” Formed in 1990, the orchestra quickly established itself as a force in Vancouver’s burgeoning music scene with the ongoing support of Early Music Vancouver. In 2009, PBO welcomed Alexander Weimann as Director. His imaginative programming, creativity and engaging musicianship have carved out a unique and vital place in the cultural landscape of Vancouver.
PBO regularly joins forces with internationally-celebrated Canadian guest artists, providing performance opportunities for Canadian musicians while exposing West Coast audiences to a spectacular variety of talent. The Orchestra has also toured throughout BC, the northern United States, and across Canada. Their 2019 East Coast Canadian tour with Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin culminated in a critically acclaimed album, Nuit Blanches, released by Atma Classique.
