Salut! Baroque, Invitation to the Dance
Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney
Sunday 26 April 2026
★★★★
It’s a rare pleasure to encounter a Baroque concert that incorporates authentic 18th-century dance.
Salut! Baroque‘s thoughtfully curated program Invitation to the Dance brought Baroque dance and music into close dialogue, offering an engaging and elegant afternoon. Opening with Les caractères de la danse by Jean-Féry Rebel, the performance immediately established its theme. The inclusion of dancer Aimee Brown in her stunning pink gown added a visual dimension that highlighted the historical connection between music and movement. Her refined style, marked by controlled footwork, expressive arms, and poised stillness in the upper body, reflected her classical training while remaining faithful to Baroque conventions.
The ensemble delivered a strong musical performance throughout, with works by composers such as Henry Purcell, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and Johan Helmich Roman showcasing both elegance and lively rhythmic energy. The musicians played with remarkable cohesion and stylistic sensitivity, bringing both precision and vitality to each piece. Special mention to violinist John Ma who was particularly captivating, performing with a physical expressiveness that made it seem as though he was fully inhabiting the music.
However, Aimee Brown’s appearances were more limited than expected, and staging choices occasionally obscured her movements, reducing the overall impact of the choreography. Despite this, Invitation to the Dance remained compelling, and the performance succeeded in illustrating the essential role of dance in Baroque music.
Overall, this was a polished and intellectually stimulating concert, musically rich and rewarding.
Salut! Baroque, Invitation to the Dance, Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Sunday 26 April 3pm.