The Bach Aria Soloists, under the direction of Elizabeth Suh Lane, doesn't play anything half-way. Their performances are always outstanding whether they are in one of the finest homes, or at a public library, in Kansas City.
One of the most pleasurable evenings I've had all year was to experience the Bach Aria Soloists' program last June called "Baroque in Motion." As a collaboration with the Owens/Cox dance studio, it was a wonderful visual and musical event. The dancers were excellent and original, and two of the players were absolutely entrancing. Elizabeth Suh Lane and Paula Kosower had me spellbound by their stunning technical and musical playing. And to hear Rebecca Lloyd and David Adams was like being in the presence of Heavenly Hosts. Never miss an opportunity to hear this fantastic ensemble.
Now in its tenth year the Bach Aria Soloists is truly a world class ensemble, which is largely unknown in the Kansas City area. Founder and Executive/Artistic Director Elizabeth Suh Lane has been solo violinist for Sir Neville Marriner, Sir Michael Tilson Thomas, Andre Previn, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Leonard Bernstein, among others. Her stature in the classical music world has enabled her to bring Christoph Wolff, preeminent authority on Johann Sebastian Bach, to K.C. and resulted in commissioning two works, which had their debut here. She is particularly adept at collaborations with literary, theatre, and dance, most recently, "Baroque in Motion," with Owen/Cox Ballet Troupe. BAS' signature series, "Hauskonzert," combines exquisite performances, convivial conversation, and a delicious repast in magnificent residences, replicating what Bach, himself, did in his own home. These intimate concerts provide the rare opportunity not only to hear and see the musicians, but also to speak with them individually.
My husband and I have been attending the Bach Aria Soloists concerts for the past few years. It is an evening we look forward to each time! Although neither my husband or I know much about classical music, we have a "moving" experience and are always awed after each performance. The group is not only inspirational but also educates us and introduces us to a world of music we would not normally experience. The hausconcerts are intimate and up close and personal. I can imagine myself back in time listening to Bach.
I have attended several of Bach Aria Soloists' concerts over the years. The settings are always diverse and unique from beautiful Kansas City mansions to the Kansas City Public library to some of our area's finest churches. My experience is always the same: the privilege of hearing world class musicians deliver stellar performances time and time again. I have also enjoyed the times when BAS has collaborated with other artists and introduced live dance into its performances. Kansas City is extremely fortunate to have such a fine group within its boundaries and more people need to be aware of our own local hidden treasure!
Bach Aria offers something no other arts organization provides-regionally or nationally. The idea of presenting Bach and contemporaries in house concerts, with musicians commenting on th pieces,is so engaging. The artistic director, Elizabeth Suh Lane, is an elegant speaker and masterful violinist. She and her colleagues make the music accessible; concerts are warm and intimate affairs. Also, the affiliation with dancers and other artists has been fun and adventurous!
Bach Aria Soloists [BAS] is one of the more exquisite "hidden gems" in the Kansas City cultural and civic landscape. After 28 years in New York City and 4 in Los Angeles, I welcomed the opportunity this smaller city offers music lovers to enjoy top-flight performances in intimate settings not easily found in larger cities on either coast. BAS is at the top of the list when it comes to their seasonal "hauskoncerts" as well as their performances that reach out to larger, diverse audiences at holiday time. Lead by Elizabeth Suh-Lane, a world-class violin virtuoso, BAS appeals to the highest brow yet in a socially relaxed way that brings people together for an evening of great music and song. BAS performances introduce new, up and coming talent to local audiences while commanding the respect and attention of renowned Bach scholars.
Bach Aria Soloists makes classical chamber music accessible to some who would not otherwise think "it's for them!" Artistic Director Elizabeth Suh Lane is innovative, blending her music with classic dance, as with the Owen-Cox Dance Company collaboration.
My first Bach Aria Soloist event in the spring of 2009 was a collaboration between the Owen/Cox Dance Group and Bach Aria. It was spectacular! The vividness of the music and modern dance performances captured my soul. This concert delivered a very genuine, personal experience that has made me a proud supporter of Bach Aria Soloist. I was concerned that I may have seen their best, but subsequent concerts have produced the same spectacular, high-caliber performances. I have enjoyed the house concert series which has provided me the opportunity to sit within arm-reach of the performers as I watch and listen to the extraordinary talents that comprise this group. It is truly an impactful, personal experience, and I committed myself to applying my own talents to help promote the work of Bach Aria Soloists.
The Bach Aria Soloists are a Kansas City treasure. The level of expertise is unmatched- always at the highest skill level of the core musicians and guest artists. And imaginative? Oh my- always setting the stage for a higher level experience with the music- world premieres, inventive collaborations, enlightening world-renowned speakers, and the list goes on. How fortunate we are to have the Bach Aria Soloists, and the founder/artistic director/executive director and amazing solo violinist, Elizabeth Suh Lane, in our midst!
I am a founding board member of this extraordinary group, the Bach Aria Soloists. They are celebrating their 10th exciting concert season this year as a self-presenting ensemble, a great achievement in the fiercely competitive arts marketplace especially in this recessionary economy. The Artistic Director/Founder, Elizabeth Suh Lane's visionary leadership has brought world-class artists- musicians, dancers, composers, scholars-to Kansas City to collaborate and leading local partners- the KC Chorale, the KC Public Library, Owen/Cox Dance, KC guest artists- have invited the BAS to partner. The KC community is the fortunate recipient of their marvelous talent and creative programs. The Hauskonzert series is a popular success because both the BAS and our patrons believe in the mission of bringing the brilliance of Bach, Baroque and contemporary to new life in intimate spaces. The audience and artists can make a much greater connection when one removes the physical distance of big concert halls and these artists make a point of communicating with their informative performances, and free BachReach Open education to schools. Their Community concerts have also been sold out and at capacity in recent years, such a great testament to the quality and reputation of this fine ensemble. I really hope that the Bach Aria Soloists can be a part of your Arts appreciation campaign, as they are a leading chamber music ensemble in the region.