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​​Throughout history, musicians have travelled to other countries to hear each other play, make connections with one another, and trade musical ideas. These exchanges were particularly influential during the Baroque period of Western European music, both north and south of the Alps.

This project, titled Crossing the Alps, highlights exactly those connections and influences between countries like Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy. Italian influence on music north of the Alps was considerable, and the Italian style can be very clearly seen in the compositions of German composers like Dietrich Buxtehude (c.1637-1707) and J.S. Bach (1685-1750). The concert program of this tour will include works by these two composers as well as by Italian composers such as Archangelo Corelli (1653-1713) and Giovanni Battista Fontana (1589-1630).

The tour itself embodies this idea of travelling amongst musicians and exchanging artistic ideas through the act of playing music. Hosted by North Carolina musician, Jacqueline Farrell, the two other musicians are themselves travelling from different parts of the world to come together to play this stunningly beautiful program of early music: Toshihiko Amano from Japan; and Oliver Weston from New York City. Crossing borders for the purpose of artistic collaboration amongst musicians is embodied and exemplified in every way by this project.

Based out of New Bern, North Carolina, this project also serves to promote and support the new Taylor & Boody pipe organ at Christ Episcopal Church, an instrument that is both eclectic and also distinctly German in its principle and foundational sounds. As part of the program, Jacqueline Farrell will perform J.S. Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue on the organ, one of this composer’s most enduring and popular works for the instrument.