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.

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
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
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
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
5. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms

Avi Avital's really getting into a spot of Baroque music. Photo: Andy Squire
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
14. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms

Jammin' on my mandolin. Nothing to see here. Photo: Andy Squire
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
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
17. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms

Photo: Andy Squire