Goldberg Variations: A New Recording with A Far Cry & Simone Dinnerstein

A Far Cry and Simone Dinnerstein will present and record their collaborative reimagining of The Goldberg Variations. This revelatory arrangement expands Johann Sebastian Bach’s iconic keyboard masterpiece into a living dialogue for piano and string orchestra.

Created by Criers Alex Fortes and Sarah Darling with Dinnerstein, this arrangement draws out the hidden possibilities within each variation: a hint of trio sonata here, a French overture there, even a jazz-inflected bass line or a playful quodlibet. Solo piano and strings continually trade, mirror, and transform one another, revealing new colors, textures, and moments of surprise while remaining rooted in the brilliance of Bach’s original. The result is an experience that feels both timeless and newly discovered, inviting listeners to hear this familiar masterpiece with fresh ears.

This multi-phase project invites audiences and supporters into the full creative journey:

• A Tanglewood Learning Institute residency, offering a window into the ensemble’s collaborative process as they finalize the arrangement (August 19–20, 2026)

• A week of rehearsals in Boston (September 15–18)

• The season-opening performance at Jordan Hall (September 19)

• And finally, a studio recording at Mechanics Hall (September 21–23) for a future album release on Naïve Records in Spring of 2027.

By supporting this special project, donors play a vital role in the creation of one of A Far Cry and Dinnerstein’s most beloved collaborations and highly anticipated albums, sustaining creative partnerships and ensuring that the music is preserved through professional recording. With a remaining goal of $89,000, Dinnerstein and the Criers have already confirmed $76,000 in support of the overall $165,000 production budget to make this recording possible. Support underwrites musician fees, venue and technical production costs, rehearsal time, video and recording engineering, and ultimately, the album release.

Why This Project Matters

Few works in the classical canon inspire as much wonder as Bach’s Goldberg Variations—a piece that has captivated audiences for centuries and continues to reveal new possibilities with every interpretation.

Ten years in the making, A Far Cry’s arrangement with Dinnerstein has been praised for illuminating the music in entirely new ways while remaining deeply faithful to Bach’s original vision. 

A Far Cry is a leader in the classical music field for creating works like this: new arrangements of familiar pieces that become masterpieces unto themselves. Through this collaboration, the final product will be all the more special as Dinnerstein – who is famous for her solo recording of the work – puts her indelible mark on this project alongside the Criers. Now, we are immortalizing this spectacular rendition by creating the definitive recording featuring Dinnerstein and A Far Cry. By supporting this project, you are contributing a new work to the classical cannon and fostering the collaborative and imaginative spirit that makes these musical innovations possible.
Help bring Goldberg Variations to life! Supporters of this project play a direct role in producing, recording, and sharing this one-of-a kind work with audiences around the world.

Leadership Gifts of $20,000

Everything outlined below, plus...

• Private dinner with Simone Dinnerstein and Crier project leaders

• Exclusive access to attend recording sessions at Mechanics Hall (September 21-23, 2026)

Sponsorship of $10,000

Everything outlined below, plus...

• Exclusive access to workshop sessions with Simone and the Criers at Tanglewood Learning Institute in Lenox, MA (August 19-20, 2026)

• Named acknowledgement in the album liner notes

Sponsorship of $5,000

• Exclusive access to rehearsals with Simone Dinnerstein and the Criers in Boston (September 15-18, 2026)

• 4 complimentary tickets to Goldberg Variations concert at New England Conservatory’s Jordan on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

• Special acknowledgement on A Far Cry’s website and in printed materials

Donors at any level will be recognized in album and concert materials and will play an essential role in bringing this project to life.  

For more information or to become a supporter, please contact Ali Fessler, Development & Patron Services Manager, at <ali@afarcry.org>.