Intern. Akaroa Music Festival - Bach at St Peters

The Akaroa Festival’s traditional Bach night at St Peter’s church. Enjoy Bach unlimited in the amazing atmosphere of one of Akaroa’s oldest churches.

Wolfgang Kraemer, recorder
Kevin Kim, recorder
Liu-yi Retallick, violin
Yuhka Nagai, violin
Alisa Smith, viola
Paul Lee, cello

A feast of music by the one composer who later musicians have consistently held up as the master of all: Johann Sebastian Bach. The novelist Arthur C. Clarke wrote in 2001: A Space Odyssey that his protagonist, en route to the outer rings of Saturn, whiled away the time by listening to the music of many of the great classical masters, but grew tired of them and ‘finally found peace, as so many others had done, in the abstract architecture of Bach’. None but Bach has had the genius to turn the bare simplicity of a solo string or wind instrument into a self-sufficient whole, creating the appearance of melody, accompaniment and even multiple parts with just a single cello, violin or flute. In his accompanied works—whether for voice or an instrument with harpsichord—there is both grace and intensity. In the beautiful church of St Peter’s, Akaroa, this is a concert that will transport and transfix you. A long night with music from Johann Sebastian Bach. Celebrate with us the amboyant genius of the German Baroque.

This year, we are celebrating the 15th Edition of the International Akaroa Music Festival. Looking back, we are proud to say that Akaroa has now made it onto the musical map, artists and students are eager to come to perform and enjoy Akaroa’s stunning atmosphere. The 2022 festival will feature some of the most beloved New Zealand artists.

Times being what they are, the Akaroa Festival tickets are. Unfortunately only available to fully vaccinated customers this year. Please bring proof of vaccination when purchasing your tickets.