Experimental concert meshes religion, rock at IU Art Museum

Mark Doerries would like you to know that his concert this weekend was an experiment — and a success.

Doerries, a doctoral candidate in choral conducting, along with the Luminescence Project Electro-Acoustic Orchestra, presented his interpretation of J.S. Bach’s ‘Johannes Passion’ Friday and Saturday in the IU Art Museum to a nearly packed audience.

The concert, PASSIONate CONVICTions, was a fusion of classical music and rock depicting the trial of Jesus before his crucifixion.

“This is wild,” Bloomington resident Janet Brinkworth said of the concert’s setting. “It’s definitely out of the norm.”

The performance took place in the Thomas T. Solley Atrium on four separate floors. Members of the audience were seated strategically throughout the first three, with the performers moving between them throughout the night.

Because of the movement, the audience was only able to see the actual performance 90 percent of the time, Doerries said.

Unless they looked up, that is.

Through the use of spotlights the audience was able to see the action on separate floors by looking at reflections in the glass ceiling.

Those who preferred not to crane their necks merely listened.

Inspired by Bach’s original composition, Doerries decided to recreate the story with what he said was a modern, rock idiom.

As the chorus belted out the original oratorio they were backed up by rock and classical beats, which Doerries said were inspired by his favorite bands growing up. He said he hoped the different take on the classical score would entice a younger audience.

Rather than staying true to the original period the composition took place in, Doerries staged his performance as a courtroom drama with the actors dressed in suits, as opposed to Biblical-era clothing.

“It’s not like anything I’ve seen before, with the spatial setting, the thing is happening all around you,” graduate student Cole Tutino said. “For me that was the neatest thing about the show.”

The audience members reacted in any form they deemed appropriate, whether they wanted to laugh, cry or just walk out. No one did, though. Instead, they just watched, and when it was over there was only applause.

Senior Nick Russo said he enjoyed the concert but wished he had sat on a different floor.

“I thought being in this area with a multi-level room was really neat to work with,” he said. “I unfortunately didn’t have a great seat sitting up here but if I would’ve sat down there ... the effect would’ve been a little cooler.”