Bach will be coming to a bar near you this Friday, when acclaimed cellist Matt Haimovitz performs the composer’s work at Sam Bond’s Garage.
The Israeli-born musician is visiting Sam Bond’s as part of his Bach “Listening Room” Tour. In an effort to diverge from the formality of classical music, Haimovitz is playing Bach’s first three Suites for Cello Solo at taverns, jazz clubs and coffeehouses instead of the symphony halls where one might usually expect to hear this type of music.
Haimovitz is touring to promote his new album, “6 Suites for Cello Solo,” which was released on Oxingale Records — an indie classical label Haimovitz and his wife started.
Haimovitz said the “Listening Room” tour gives classical music fans an opportunity to experience the music up-close and personal, as well as giving those who aren’t familiar with the genre a chance to listen without feeling self-conscious.
“The music that I’m playing is really very intimate, subtle music,” Haimovitz said. “I usually play 2,000 or 3,000 seat concert halls. In such spaces, it gets lost, this music.”
He said Bach’s compositions are a good doorway into classical music.
“Bach’s cello solos are some of the most profound music. More than that the show is a wonderful way to be introduced to the music. It has such a more human aspect to it and is just as raw as anything in the rock idiom,” he said.
The tour has even brought 31-year-old Haimovitz to the most unlikely of places — the legendary New York City punk rock club CBGB.
“It was an amazing place. I fell in love with it,” he said. “It felt right to present something that’s never been done before.”
Haimovitz’s performance should be a treat to classical music listeners sick of stuffy, formal concert halls and an occasion for non-listeners to broaden their aural horizons in a less-intimidating atmosphere.
The show is this Friday at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
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