Bach, the Universe and Everything: How to Build an Atmosphere
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
| JS Bach | Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, (You shall weep and wail), BWV 103 |
|---|---|
| Richard Dering | Ardens est cor meum |
| Steven Devine | series music director |
|---|---|
| Simon Clark | guest speaker |
| Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment |
Darkness. Wonder. Light. Bach’s music and atmospheric science come together in an exploration of beauty emerging from uncertainty, and how joy can be found in the darkest places.
In a concert series with a difference – inspired by JS Bach, composer and intergalactic genius – Bach, the Universe and Everything takes audiences on a cosmic adventure in which music meets astronomy. Expect awe, beauty and big ideas.
In Ihr werdet weinen und heulen Bach confronts the paradox that in life sorrow and joy can exist at the same time. Starting out in B minor, a key that he reserved for some of his most profound music, the cantata gives voice to the promise held in the opening lines that ‘You shall weep and wail… yet your sorrow shall be changed into joy’. Bach responds with music that blends emotional intensity, imagination and some of his most daringly operatic writing.
Have you ever wondered why our planet’s atmosphere flows from west to east? Or even why it moves at all. Guest speaker Simon Clark will build an atmosphere from scratch, and layer by layer recreate our planet’s beautiful firmament. Simon Clark is a science communicator with a background in atmospheric physics, specialising in discussing the climate crisis on his eponymous YouTube channel.
This season also features six motets by the English composer Richard Dering (c. 1580–1630). A Catholic convert, he spent much of his career working in continental Europe before returning to England in 1625. Dering’s music bridged the Renaissance and Baroque styles.
This event will last approximately 75 minutes, with no interval.
Concessions & Under 30s tickets
Kings Place Concessions Tickets
We want to ensure that people who may be struggling financially to purchase a ticket can still enjoy visiting Kings Place. A limited number of tickets are allocated for certain events (if the ticket type does not show in the booking pathway, it means they are not available for this event or have all been sold). Concessions tickets are accessible for people on the following criteria (for more information visit our FAQs)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Disability Benefit
- Income Support or Job Seekers allowance
- Students
£10 ‘Under 30s’ tickets
A limited number of £10 tickets are available for certain shows to attendees aged under 30. To access Under 30s tickets, your account needs to be updated with your Date of Birth. Please visit the account centre to add your Date of Birth and go to ‘Other Preferences’ to opt in to the Under 30s Scheme.
If £10 tickets are available, the ticket discount will apply automatically at checkout. If the discount does not apply, this means all ‘Under 30s’ tickets have sold out for the performance.
Please note that proof of age may be requested at the venue.
Plan your visit
Getting here
Kings Place is situated just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations, one of the most connected locations in London and now the biggest transport hub in Europe.
Our address is:
90 York Way, London, N1 9AG.
The Venue
Our performance spaces are situated on the lower ground floor. Hall One, Hall Two and St Pancras are located in level -2, reached by stairs, escalator and lift from the ground floor entrance level.
Event Times
Door times indicate auditorium entrance times only. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Kings Place seating areas, gallery-level art, canal-side terrace, café, restaurant and bar throughout the day and evening.
- Our events begin promptly at the advertised start time. Typically, there is no support unless otherwise stated.
- We recommend arriving in good time before the performance. The Hall doors will open 30 minutes before the performance to allow time to take your seats, or to choose a space for standing shows.
- Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance where possible
Access
We aim to make your visit to Kings Place as comfortable as possible. For more information about the accessibility of Kings Place, including details about our Access Scheme, please visit this page.
If you would like to discuss your access requirements with a member of our team, please get in touch with the Box Office team at info@kingsplace.co.uk.
Food & Drink
Rotunda Bar & Restaurant
Rotunda, situated on the ground floor of Kings Place, offers a unique dining and drinking experience alongside Regent’s Canal. The concert bar in the venue foyer will also be open for select events.
Green & Fortune Café
Recently re-furbished and now open with a new look, the Green & Fortune Café is open for selected concerts. Serving hot and cold food and drinks, including sandwiches, salads, soup, stew and a pie of the day, alongside a choice of cakes made by the on-site bakery team. See here for selected concert dates and standard opening hours.