Bach, the Universe and Everything: Astronomical Instruments
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
| JS Bach | Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein, (Ah God, look down from heaven), BWV 2 |
|---|---|
| Richard Dering | Factum est silentium |
| Steven Devine | series music director |
|---|---|
| Laura Joy Pieters | guest speaker |
| Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment |
Wonder meets reason in the new season’s opening edition of Bach, the Universe and Everything. A Bach cantata that bridges worlds, alongside scientific artefacts that reveal how looking beyond our home planet has helped humanity to find its place in the Universe.
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 Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein (BWV 2) Bach draws together old and new styles. For the words of Martin Luther, he builds on the Renaissance motet tradition, with its intricately woven vocal lines. For the more contemporary poetry he adopts the modern ‘concerto’ style, infusing colour, drama and remarkable musical invention.
Our guest speaker, Laura Joy Pieters introduces us to astronomical instruments from the 17th and 18th Centuries. Through them, she reveals how astronomy shaped the worldview of their age—and how it continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and the universe today. Laura Joy Pieters is Curator of Mathematical Sciences at the Science Museum in London, an actress and visual artist.
This season also features 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 to serve in the court of Queen Henrietta Maria. 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.