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    Avi Avital and Mahan Esfahani at the Bristol Proms

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    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. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms

      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

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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

      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

      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

      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. Bristol Proms 2014

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      17. Mahan Esfahani and Avi Avital at the Bristol Proms

      Photo: Andy Squire

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