sacred and profane

The holy meets the spectacular in sacred and profane – a dazzling performance by Australia’s foremost chamber ensemble, Southern Cross Soloists, taking place at QPAC’s Concert Hall this October.

Directed by Rowan Heydon-White, sacred and profane is an entirely new collaboration that breathes fresh life into some of J.S. Bach’s most profound works. Known best for his long and prolific career as a virtuoso organist, choral arranger and composer, Bach’s pieces will be reimagined by the ensemble, who will be joined by Kathryn and Paul O’Keefe, two long-standing members of Circa.

Kathryn and Paul’s poetic movements will be matched to Bach’s music, with the chamber ensemble itself becoming part of the choreography as they perform entirely from memory. Interspersed with the sombre and still moments, the spirits of Poulenc, Stravinsky and Shostakovich will whirl into the fray, adding moments of irreverence that celebrate humanity’s messy splendour. 

sacred and profane is the perfect display of duality, taking the audience on a journey through wonder, reverence and joy as the genre is transformed through the matrimony of graceful motion and intimate solos.