The Brandenburg Project (representing the Community School of Ann Arbor) will perform at 3:00pm EDT on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bloomington as part of Early Music America’s Young Performers Festival during the Bloomington Early Music Festival.
The Brandenburg Project began in the spring of 2014 as a part of the Community School of Ann Arbor’s Youth Chamber Program, with a diverse group of youth committed to learning the original Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 by J. S. Bach. Due to the wide range of ages and levels, natural leaders developed who could mentor those younger and less advanced. These leaders were encouraged and guided to engage all members during rehearsals, and over time a successful youth-led model developed that continues to be a key component of the ensemble’s approach to learning. The Project has since studied and performed Brandenburg Concertos No. 1, 3, 4 and 6, and other early music repertoire including works by Purcell, Biber, Telemann, Gabrielli, Corelli, Rosenmueller, Boccherini, Tallis, Gallo and Vivaldi. In all cases, original, non-abridged musical scores were used which is unusual for ensembles of this age group.
To further their journey to authenticity the Project received Baroque bows in the spring of 2018 and a harpsichord in Fall 2018. This year, members are collecting additional instruments that can be strung with gut strings and tuned at 415.
The Project has had the opportunity to be coached by internationally recognized early music experts and ensembles such as Rene Schiffer of Apollo’s Fire, ACRONYM, Prof. Gascho of University of Michigan, Piffaro Renaissance Band, Ensemble Caprice, and Rachel Barton Pine. The Project is known for the energy and ownership displayed during its conductor-less performances.
2019 Festival Program
Bach and Vivaldi in Cycles
The Brandenburg Project will perform the Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 along with Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and selections from Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater.
