What is #Bach333? Cellist and Bach in the Subways founder Dale Henderson explains:
As a child learning cello, I was consistently drawn forward in my work by sharing my music with others. The interaction between the audience and me inspired a kind of musical alchemy that created living worlds of meaning – a sense of connectedness with my fellow human beings that transcended any other communal experience I knew.
Never was this feeling more vivid and intense than during my first Bach in the Subways performance – an overwhelmingly positive, expansive, globe encompassing sense of inspiration, brightness, and inclusion. This vibrant inspiration compelled me forward, performing Bach in the Subways a few times each week to share with as many people as possible. In March of 2011, I invited other musicians to join me for Bach’s birthday.
As I watched in joy, my solo project expanded into a global music movement, and it appeared as though that initial inspiration grew and flowered outside of me to manifest as a living organism in the real world. By March 21, 2015 thousands of musicians joined me around the planet in sharing this incredible music.
Why travel?
This past March was a confluence of 3s: Bach turned 333; when I started Bach in the Subways, I was 33; the first Bach in the Subways birthday celebration to go global was 3 years ago, on Bach’s 330th birthday. This birthday felt significant! The same feelings that drove me in the beginning now compelled me to experience this amazing movement in places around the world where it had taken root and flourished.
What cities will I be visiting?
For the March 21–25 global birthday celebration I perform in 3 cities in 3 countries on 3 continents: Seattle, Washington in America; Singapore in Asia; and Tbilisi, Georgia in Europe – all places that have fostered their own unique and dynamic Bach in the Subways organizations. In June I continue in Philadelphia; in September Kolkata, India; early October, 3 California cities in 3 days – Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco; in November, the Netherlands; and finally in December, Mexico!
Check out Bach in the Subways’ social handles along with my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more. You can also read about my travels in Strings Magazine.
