Scottish Ensemble, Andersson Dance

Revel in the joy, complexity, and lyricism of an invigorating collaboration between Stockholm-based Andersson Dance and classical musicians Scottish Ensemble as they reawaken a timeless masterpiece.

There’s a sublime synergy to this infectious encounter between the eleven members of an internationally renowned string orchestra and five contemporary dance artists. Taking Bach’s abstractly beautiful Goldberg Variations, they collectively bring out its moments of tender, expressive, vulnerable and life-affirming humanity.

Expect a contrast of slow and fast, uplifting and reflective, extroverted and introverted movement that mirrors the light and mournful moods of the unfolding variations. But it’s not just the dancers who lose themselves in Örjan Andersson’s astute choreography – the musicians do so as well, temporarily setting their instruments aside in this playful yet profound interpretation. Genuine alchemy is to be found as the two companies perform seamlessly as one to unlock the soul of the music.