Years | Live at MPavillion

Total Performances 1

Saturday 5 February

MPavillion, Melbourne

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Music ‘Goldberg Variations’, BVW988, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and arranged by Stephen Emmerson

Music Sonya Lifschitz

Performed by and Stephen Emmerson

Music Bob Scott, Jonathan Palmer Recording

Sound Post Bob Scott at Dodgy Sound Production

Pianos KAWAI supplied by

Costume Bianca Spender Designer

Film Producer Collider Films and Sydney Dance Company

Film Directed by Clemens Habicht

Film Director Florian Emmerich of Photography

Set to renowned Australian musician Stephen Emmerson’s reimagining of Bach’s iconic Goldberg Variations for two pianos, this counterpoint-rich adaptation was recorded with celebrated UkranianAustralian pianist and collaborator Sonya Lifschitz. Years was first conceived, filmed and streamed during 2021’s lockdown as an online work directed by Clemens Habicht.

This live, site-specific performance of Years saw six Sydney Dance Company dancers respond both to the thirty-one counter point variations and the essence of the MPavillion itself. Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela, reflected on his personal choreographic journey and echoes of the past to find clarity at the heart of a turbulent world. Sinuous costumes by Bianca Spender brought softness and grace to the performance.

Acknowledgments

This performance was only made possible through the generous assistance of our supporters, Artistic Director’s Commissioning Partner 2021 (Years), The Naomi Milgrom Foundation, and Years Corporate Partner, KAWAI.

Years was also supported by members of Sydney Dance Company’s valued donor family: Arab Bank of Australia, Tony Berg AM and Carol Berg AM, David Mathlin, Jules Maxwell, Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM, Penelope Seidler AM, Matt Shelmerdine, Bianca Spender and Sam McGuiness.

ab [intra], ‘from within’ in Latin, explored our primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses; a journey through the intensity of human existence that commands your attention. A ferociously physical and emotional piece which stays with the audience long after leaving the theatre.

Total Performances 28

16 March – 9 April

International Tour, France

14 Performances

Maison de la Danse, Lyon

Thèâtre National de Chaillot, Paris

Le Thèâtre Olympia d’Arcachon, Arcachon

Thèâtre de Gascogne, Mont de Marsan

2 – 11 June

10 Performances

Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney

20 – 22 October

DanceX: Festival of Dance

4 Performances

Arts Centre Melbourne

Acknowledgments

Sydney Dance Company continues our muchvalued relationship with Presenting Partner, LG Signature. We opened the year together with the ab [intra] season and support from LG Signature to create film content for social media in the lead up to opening night.

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Music Original score by Nick Wales featuring Klātbūtne by Pēteris Vasks

Lighting Designer Damien Cooper

Set & Costume David Fleischer Designer