Choreographer PETER SPARLING to appear at next Berkshire Bach Portals Event on November 8 and 9
Great Barrington, October 16, 2024: The Berkshire Bach Society (BBS) announces the next event in its quarterly BBS Portals series: Chaconne—An Exploration of Movement with distinguished choreographer Peter Sparling on November 8 and 9 at Berkshire Community College and the Lenox Town Hall. The program uses the medium of dance to explore the power of dynamic expression in the work of J.S. Bach and examines the intimate relationship between music and movement. The event includes an overview of 100 years of choreography to Bach and highlights Mr. Sparling’s film Chaconne that features his dance performance to Bach’s great Chaconne from the Partita No. 2 in D minor for Solo Violin (BWV 1004). As an introduction to the film, violinist and Artistic Director Eugene Drucker plays the first four movements from the Partita live and hosts a discussion and audience Q&A with Mr. Sparling after the screening.
“This program is a real treat for lovers of Bach and interpretive dance alike,” said Terrill McDade, Executive Director of the Berkshire Bach Society. “Chaconne the film is fascinating visually. The music is familiar but interpreting it through dance provides a fresh perspective and a new dimension. Mr. Sparling’s artistry and knowledge make him the ideal guide to the world of movement, and he has something to say that’s worth hearing. Add to that a live performance by Eugene Drucker and we have a unique and meaningful cultural experience for our audience that expands our understanding of art.”
Peter Sparling is the Rudolf Arnheim Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Dance and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus of Dance at the University of Michigan. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, he was a member of the José Limón Dance Company and principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. As Graham’s assistant, he collaborated with her on new works and coached many important dancers, including Rudolf Nureyev. He has performed and staged Graham’s works throughout the world and has appeared with the company on PBS Dance in America. Over the course of his career, he has held a variety of positions, from artistic director, to academic faculty member, choreographer, performer, collaborator, writer, painter, and activist. He was artist in residence at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris in 2010 and has presented papers on the history of dance at various prestigious institutions. His work has been selected for numerous international festivals, appeared on broadcast television, and featured in the Cannes Film Festival. For many years he has maintained a private painting studio and since retiring from the University of Michigan, has continued to paint, create dance videos, advocate for LGBTQ rights, and pursue collaborations with a variety of organizations and artists.
Join Berkshire Bach, Artistic Director Eugene Drucker, and choreographer Peter Sparling for Chaconne—An Exploration of Movement at 7pm on Friday, November 8 at Berkshire Community College or 7pm on Saturday, November 9 at the Lenox Town Hall. Tickets: $45 Nonmembers | $40 Berkshire Bach Members. Visit www.berkshirebach.org/events for more information, including tickets and specific venue information.
The Berkshire Bach Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the U.S. tax code and the oldest, continuously operating, membership-based music organization in the Berkshires. Donations to the Society are deductible to the full extent of the law.
*Photo above: Peter Sparling in Chaconne