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Avi Avital and Mahan Esfahani at the Bristol Proms
One Iranian, one Israeli - and one shared love of Bach. Incredible scenes from this dynamic duo, playing a range of music from the Baroque and beyond.
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1. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Think the harpsichord and mandolin are old-fashioned instruments? Think again: Mahan and Avi are here to change any preconceptions about these wonderful instruments. Photo: Andy Squire
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2. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Mahan Esfahani plays a solo on stage, complete with on-screen projections. Photo: Andy Squire
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3. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
It might look like a delicate instrument, but Avi Avital shreds like it's he's playing metal. Photo: Andy Squire
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4. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Beautiful music played on exquisite instruments: look at the delicate carvings on the inside of the harpsichord and the outside of the mandolin. Photo: Andy Squire
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5. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Avi Avital's really getting into a spot of Baroque music. Photo: Andy Squire
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6. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
The concentration is high on stage at the Bristol Old Vic as Avi Avital performs a solo. Photo: Andy Squire
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7. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Talking to the audience is encouraged at the Bristol Proms. It's just one of the ways of re-writing the classical rule book and making everyone feel involved, no matter their level of musical expertise. Photo: Andy Squire
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8. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
"Music is a journey that brought us together," the duo explained as they performed their seemingly unusual collaborations live on stage. But it absolutely worked. Photo: Andy Squire
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9. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital perform live on stage at the Bristol Proms. Photo: Andy Squire
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10. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
With Bach as a starting point, the duo moved out to other composers of the Baroque era including Rameau, before cleansing the palate with a spot of Takemitsu. Photo: Andy Squire
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11. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
After playing music by modern Japanese composer Takemitsu, the duo went back to playing Bach so the audience would hear the music with fresh ears. Photo: Andy Squire
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12. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Every minute detail of the performers' facial expressions, captured on camera and projected on stage. Photo: Andy Squire
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13. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital perform live on stage at the Bristol Proms. Photo: Andy Squire
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14. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Jammin' on my mandolin. Nothing to see here. Photo: Andy Squire
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15. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms Proms 2014
Getting a glimpse inside this most beautiful instrument, with its carved inside and its intricate carvings. Photo: Andy Squire
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16. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
The duo talk passionately about why their instruments work so well together. Photo: Andy Squire
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17. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms
Photo: Andy Squire
