Mercury to Meld Tango and Bach in 1/16 Concert

Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Mercury create a multimedia concert experience that combines the seductive tango with the perfection of J.S. Bach on January 16 at 8 PM at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theatre.

Bandoneonist Denis Plante and guitarist David Jacques join Mercury in blending the Tango Nuevo heat of Piazzolla and the serenity of counterpoint in Bach's Art of the Fugue. This unique performance, conceived by Denis Plante and Antoine Plante, will make you dance, body and soul.

This concert is sponsored in part by Luc Messier in celebration of Mercury's 15th Anniversary Season. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.mercuryhouston.org or call 713.533.0080.

Mercury's 15th Anniversary Season, with concerts downtown and across Houston, features a diverse repertoire from the Baroque era and beyond. Special events for the year include the upcoming Bach's Orchestral Suites led by acclaimed guest conductor Harry Bicket (part of the Houston Early Music Festival) in February, and Beethoven's celebratory Ninth Symphony in May. Each concert -- performed on period instruments -- promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience.

Founded in 2000, Mercury has a mission to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, Baroque and beyond, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence. The orchestra offers performances of a broad repertoire of music on period instruments and has garnered critical acclaim around the world through innovative and accessible performances, domestic and international tours, and groundbreaking music education programs.

What makes a Mercury performance unique? Mercury musicians perform on period instruments similar in style and sound to those used by composers of the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods. Differences between modern and period instruments can be seen in the string section where players use gut rather than steel strings and often utilize a Baroque bow that is shorter and more curved than a modern bow. Brass instruments have no valves and are more modest in shape than their modern equivalents, and the timpani drums utilize leather skins rather than synthetic heads. Perhaps the most recognizable differences can be seen in the woodwind section; these instruments have less keys and are actually crafted from wood as opposed to metal or plastic like many modern instruments. Mercury chooses to perform with period instruments to create a distinctive and exciting sound, true to the composer's intent. Mercury musicians also perform standing to better express the passion and vitality of the music. All of this provides a singular listening experience for our audience.

Pictured: Denis Plante, bandeneon (c) Malena Tango