Latest news with #J.S.Bach
The Star
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysia's cultural stage expands with first-ever International Bachfest
Having toured Germany last year, the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra will assume a central role in the upcoming International Bachfest Malaysia 2025, to be held this July in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Bachfest Malaysia Marking a decade of sharing J.S. Bach's music with Malaysian and international audiences, Bachfest Malaysia presents its inaugural International Bachfest Malaysia 2025, themed 'Bridging Bach.' The five-day festival runs from July 23–27, with events at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) and Quan's Kitchen at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown. The festival features a line-up of concerts, recitals, lectures, and forums, celebrating the universal appeal of Bach's music. Since its founding in 2015, Bachfest Malaysia has championed major works by Bach through nationwide tours and award-winning performances by the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra. Last year, the ensemble earned international acclaim with a spotlighted appearance at Bachfest Leipzig, Germany in June. Since 1904, festivals in honour of Bach have been held periodically in Leipzig. A new chapter began in 1999 with the modern revival of Bachfest Leipzig, which has since grown into one of the world's premier celebrations of Bach's legacy. Artistic director David Chin, who founded Bachfest Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, describes the 'Bridging Bach' theme for International Bachfest Malaysia 2025 as a reflection of the German master composer's ability to connect people, cultures, and traditions. 'His music is a bridge – spanning from his time to ours, linking shared human experiences across time and space,' says Chin. In Kuala Lumpur, the festival, inspired by Leipzig's lead and Bach outreach, will feature a blend of sacred and secular concerts, jazz interpretations, chamber performances and more. Supported by key patrons – including the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bachfest Leipzig, and the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry – the International Bachfest Malaysia 2025 festival also takes on a global dimension. A highlight is the South-East Asia Bach Competition, which offers young regional musicians a platform to perform Bach's works. Winners will be invited to Bachfest Leipzig 2026, marking a milestone for South-East Asian classical talent. Performance highlights include Bach's St Matthew Passion, featuring Austrian tenor Daniel Johannsen as the Evangelist, and performances by the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra. Composer-pianist Ng Chong Lim will present his debut public performance of the Goldberg Variations, while concertmaster Bernice Ooi performs two unaccompanied violin partitas. Jazz composer-pianist Tay Cher Siang and the WVC Jazz Ensemble will reinterpret Bach through jazz in the boundary-blurring 'J-azz Bach' concerts. The festival will also be hosting a 'Bach in Asia' forum, gathering voices from China, the Philippines, and Malaysia to explore Bach's relevance in Asian contexts. A lecture series, including a keynote by Prof Dr Alex Tseng (Zhejiang University, China), will delve into Bach's work through lenses of religion, philosophy, and musicology. Tickets, festival passes, and exclusive packages are available now, with early bird and group discounts until May 21. More info here.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- The Independent
Brilliant travel ideas for your next big trip
Looking forward to your next holiday? We've scoured the globe for high-flying travel inspiration – from kitesurfing and classical music to coach tours and balmy beach breaks. Whether you're craving culture, coastline or simply a change of pace, consider this your shortcut to a better kind of getaway. Wanderlust guaranteed. Southern Croatia dazzles with some of Europe's clearest night skies and a captivating mix of ancient city romance and untamed countryside. Start in Dubrovnik, with its impressive walls, fortresses and palaces – an instantly recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Site that's served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones and countless other films and shows. You're right on the doorstep of nature, with the enchanting Elaphiti Islands – once a retreat for Dubrovnik's aristocracy – just a day-trip's boat ride away. About 90 minutes northwest, the landscape shifts to the fertile Neretva Valley, a lush wetland carved by the meandering River Neretva, also famed for its mandarin groves. Food-lovers come for Pelješac wines, Ston's famous oysters, and traditional octopus dishes. Are you an active traveller? Try windsurfing on Pelješac or kitesurfing in the Neretva Valley. It's all happening here. Embrace art, music and culture in Leipzig Leipzig's legendary cultural scene is all about contrasts. Classical music fans can honour J.S. Bach's timeless legacy, while those drawn to the avant garde will find plenty to impress at the city's Oper Leipzig and Gewandhaus concert hall. Architecturally, Leipzig is just as diverse, with the vast Monument to the Battle of the Nations harmonising delightfully with sleek, modern structures. Art-lovers can linger over Renaissance portraits at the Museum of Fine Arts, then cross town for bold contemporary works in the Spinnerei galleries. With a cultural calendar that spans highbrow theatre and grassroots festivals, Leipzig offers far more than cosy baroque charm – it invites you to see the classics with fresh eyes and come away inspired. Bored of generic hotel rooms? Next time you're travelling to the Middle East, check out Silkhaus. This intriguing start-up offers a curated network of over 500 short-term rentals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, tailor-made for travellers who value both style and substance. Each plush apartment is handpicked and impeccably designed, with interiors that feel more high-end home than cheesy holiday let. Everything's included – utilities, fast wi-fi – and best of all, they're in prime locations in the most sought-after neighbourhoods and iconic towers. Whether you're in town for a quick business trip or a longer desert escape, Silkhaus provides smart, self-contained spaces in a city's most liveable areas. 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Trust to make it easy. shuttle bus services are already trusted at many European airports, including Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt, Milan, Malpensa, Turin, Pisa, Lille, Paris CDG, Catania, Budapest and more. And it now operates 24/7, with up to 96 daily departures between Stratford or Liverpool Street and Stansted, running every 30 minutes in both directions. means getting to the airport comfortably, affordably and more sustainably than a private car or taxi, aboard its iconic green coaches equipped with the latest technology - that means wi-fi and charging sockets for your personal electronic devices. Everything is designed to give passengers the best possible journey from booking to arrival. First 5,000 people to book a Stansted transfer get 20% off with code LON-STN-25 at checkout. Sublimely situated on a gentle hillside above a secluded beach on Kos, KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort is a peaceful adults-only hotel infused with the timeless principles of Hippocratic wellness — a holistic approach to living rooted in the ancient teachings of Kos-born Hippocrates. Just four miles from Kos Town, the resort blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering expansive views across the Aegean's Ceramic Gulf — an especially lovely prospect at sunrise. KOIA's architecture draws inspiration from the island's medieval castle, blending historical character with modern comfort. The five-star resort features 50 suites and a villa, many with sea views, private pools and al fresco showers that invite you to linger in the balmy island air. Here, wellbeing is rooted in nature, from the appealing textures of local stone to the soothing sounds of the sea, holding space for quiet reflection and connection. Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Friesland Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, is a city where history, culture and creativity meet. Stroll through charming canals, admire centuries-old architecture and explore museums like the Fries Museum and the Princessehof. Leeuwarden is also home to unique boutiques, cosy cafes and lively markets that give it a warm, welcoming feel. As a former European Capital of Culture, the city continues to thrive with festivals, art installations and innovative design. Whether you're visiting the historic leaning tower Oldehove or enjoying a boat tour, Leeuwarden offers a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern flair. Plan your visit today and experience this Dutch treasure for yourself. Indulge in a private island escape in the Maldives For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and seclusion, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the pristine Huvadhoo Atoll. Surrounded by vibrant marine life and one of the Maldives' most untouched house reefs, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa invites guests to discover the enchanting island's natural beauty. Explore the house reef, home to thriving marine life, colourful coral gardens and rare underwater species. The resort offers a range of unique activities, like private picnics on nearby uninhabited islands and guided diving and snorkelling excursions with a marine biologist. For the ultimate in luxury, the Kiaali Residence is an exclusive, private sanctuary with sweeping ocean views, a private infinity pool, a dedicated butler service and direct access to the vibrant house reef. For exclusive offers, visit the website. Egypt is rich in history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, and planning a trip there is exciting if a little overwhelming. Choosing the right tour operator is crucial for a smooth experience. 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Chicago Tribune
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Elgin Master Chorale to perform Bach's St. John Passion; South Elgin Earth Day cleanup planned for April 12
Elgin Master Chorale to perform Bach's St. John Passion The Elgin Master Chorale, in collaboration with the Bella Voce Sinfonia, will perform J.S. Bach's 'St. John Passion' at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theater in Building H on the 1700 Spartan Drive campus. For the first time in chorale's history, the performance will use supertitles, offering real-time English translations of the original German libretto, according to a news release. The performance also marks the launch of choral's 'Beyond the Bar Lines,' a 3 p.m. talk by Music Director Andrew Lewis about the afternoon's repertoire. As part of the chorale's partnership with the Elgin Partnership for Early Learning, the group is asking attendees to bring children's diapers, children's books or to make a monetary donation to support the partnership's initiatives, the release said. Tickets are $28, $38 and $48 and can be purchased by calling 847-622-0300 or going to Children's Theatre of Elgin presenting 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' Children's Theatre of Elgin will present 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. Based on Jeff Kinney's 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books, the musical follows the adventures of Greg Heffley and his friends as they navigate the challenges of middle school, according to the website. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for children and seniors. The Saturday night performance will include American Sign Language interpretation. For tickets and more information, go to Deadline April 12 to apply for ECC Seigle Scholarship Program The deadline to apply for the Seigle Scholar Program at Elgin Community College is Saturday, April 12. The program provides full-ride scholarships and mentoring through the ECC Foundation, which is accepting applications from high school seniors and first-year college students, according to a news release. Philanthropists Mark and Robin Seigle established the program in 2024 through a gift of $500,000, one of the largest the college has ever received. For a scholarship application and to learn more about the scholarship's requirements, go to For more information, email foundation@ or call 847-214-7377. South Elgin Earth Day cleanup planned for April 12 To mark Earth Day, South Elgin will be holding a village-wide park clean-up event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, starting at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St. Volunteers will be served breakfast at the park shelter before being given supplies and instructions on the park location to which they are assigned, according to a post on the village website.
