20 Apr 2019

Bach and Japan

From Appointment, 7:00 pm on 20 April 2019

When thinking about Bach, Tokyo isn't normally the first city to pop into your head.

Springtime in Tokyo

Springtime in Tokyo Photo: Ryosuke Uotani

But Masaaki Suzuki has put Japan on the map as one of the best places to hear Bach performed in the world.

Producer and musician Anna van der Leij follows her heart and heads to Tokyo at the height of cherry blossom season to learn more about this surprising meeting of cultures.

She meets with Masaaki Suzuki and hears a near-perfect performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

Masaaki Suzuki rehearses St. Matthew Passion

Masaaki Suzuki rehearses St. Matthew Passion Photo: Ryosuke Uotani