+ CHAMBER MUSIC +

JS BACH AND ZAHA HADID

3 - 18 July in Manchester Art Gallery

The solo works of Johann Sebastian Bach are beautiful / audacious / striking / sensual. The same can be said for Zaha Hadid, one of the most forward-thinking architects of her generation. In response to Bach’s music, Zaha Hadid Architects has created new chamber music hall where a voluminous ribbon swirls within the room, carving out a spatial and visual response to the intricate relationships of Bach’s harmonies. Translucent fabric membrane, the ribbon is articulated by an internal steel structure suspended from the ceiling - the surface of the fabric shell undulates (to move in a smooth wavelike motion) in a constant but changing rhythm as it is stretched over the internal structure, varying between the highly tensioned skin on the exterior of the ribbon and the soft billowing effect of the same fabric on its interior. Across a series of nine concerts, three internationally acclaimed musicians will perform Bach’s solo instrumental works in this unique, intimate space. The aim was to create a near-perfect environment for the audience to experience some of the most beautiful chamber music.

I'M GOING.