Flutist Emi Ferguson (“wonderful,” The New York Times; “irresistibly vital,” Portland Press Herald) is joined by the continuo band Ruckus in a wild technicolor romp through some of Bach’s most playful and transcendent works reimagined and realized for 21st-century fans of 18th-century performance practice. Having earned widespread critical acclaim for its fresh, visceral approach to early music, Ruckus’ core members form the baroque equivalent of a rhythm section: guitars, keyboards, cello, bassoon, and bass. The ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of “rough-edged intensity” (The New Yorker).

Immediately following the concert, there will be a Q&A with members of Ruckus and Emi Ferguson, with an opportunity for the audience at home to ask questions; moderated by Caramoor’s Artistic Director, Kathy Schuman.

Artists

Emi Ferguson, baroque flute
Ruckus
Clay Zeller-Townson, baroque bassoon
Coleman Itzkoff, baroque cello
Doug Balliett, baroque bass
Paul Holmes Morton, baroque guitar, banjo
Adam Cockerham, theorbo
Elliot Figg, harpsichord, organ

Program

FLY THE COOP!
Bach / Sonatas and Preludes
These works were not created equally. They represent three distinct stages of J.S. Bach’s life, and each inhabits their own stylistic world. We’ve responded accordingly.