Bach & Telemann II: Coffee and a Dead Canary

Distilled and delightful, tiny opera at its best.

A captivating selection of cantatas - in essence, tiny operas-by Bach and Telemann, revealing the theatrical spark of the two Baroque masters.

Bach's Coffee Cantata is a witty musical snapshot of 1 8th-century life, in a playful tug-of-war between a coffee-loving daughter and her disapproving father. In contrast, Telemann's Canary Cantata offers a heartfelt tribute following the death of a beloved pet.

These cantatas celebrate the character, colour and emotional nuance of the everyday, reminding us that short stories carry surprising depth. Vibrant, inventive, and utterly human, this is distilled and delightful tiny opera at its best.

This continuation of our Bach and Telemann series reveals their more playful, human side, in music brimming with colour and character.


Program

Nicolas Bernier Le Caffé "Coffee" (from volume 3 of Cantates française)

Pierre-Gabriel Buffardin Flute Concerto in E minor

Georg Phillip Telemann
Trauer-Musik eines Kunsterfahrenen Canarienvogels
"Funeral Music for an artistically skilled Canary" (TWV 20:37)

Johann Sebastian Bach Kaffeekantate "Coffee cantata" (BWV 211)


Our new 7.00pm Saturday performance is the perfect excuse for a spring night out!

To celebrate, we're partnering with City Recital Hall to offer specially priced cocktails before every performance, including $15 Espresso Martinis and $10 Gin & Tonics with a lemon twist.*

*Available from one hour before each performance. For patrons aged 18+.