World Premiere: New Work for Goldberg Variations // Pam Tanowitz Dance & Simone Dinnerstein, Piano

When pianist Simone Dinnerstein and choreographer Pam Tanowitz began discussing an evening-length dance collaboration in 2015, they faced an obvious question: what would they perform? Bach was a clear choice for Dinnerstein, who became a sudden classical star in 2007 with her self-financed interpretation of "Goldberg" Variations. The New Yorker hailed Dinnerstein's "unapologetically romantic way with Bach," while Slate praised "the dreamlike fugue state that Dinnerstein induces," calling her recording of the work "an extended fairy tale, a far-flung journey recounted by firelight, a lullaby."

Tanowitz's extensive résumé, however, hinged largely on contemporary scores, so she hesitated to pursue Bach, especially since Jerome Robbins' own 1971 setting remained a firm touchstone. Dinnerstein, who performed the Robbins setting with the Paris Opera Ballet in 2016, persisted. After all, as a choreographer, Tanowitz had long challenged and reworked classic dance forms and ballet motifs, playfully manipulating the past with wit and a touch of whimsy. Why not do the same with the "Goldberg"?

Duke Performances - a longtime supporter of Dinnerstein and the lead commissioner for this project - presents the two-night world premiere of New Work for Goldberg Variations, an audacious setting for piano and seven dancers.