Concert Pulse
This month
In Katowice
In Katowice
The National Orchestral Institute / NOSPR Academy / A musical journey around the world
Narodowej Orkiestry Symfonicznej Polskiego Radia, Concert Hall (Katowice)
What does music by Golijov, Bartók, Lutosławski and Copland have in common? Despite coming from various parts of the world, each of those 20th-century composers remained close to the musical traditions of their country.The evening will be framed in works by representatives of both Americas. Opening the concert, Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Round will transport the audience to Argentina, in order to pay a musical homage to the great Astor Piazzolla. Although the piece was written for strings, one can also hear numerous references to the sound of the bandoneon. Furthermore, there will be no dearth of the passion and sensuality characteristic for the Argentinian tango. New Yorker Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, in turn, is one of the most iconic examples of 20th-century music of the United States. The work crowns the ballet trilogy initiated by Billy the Kid and continued in Rodeo, in which the composer draws upon folk traditions and national myths.The works from across the pond will find their counterpoint in the diversity of European music to be heard in Witold Lutosławski’s Little Suite for chamber orchestra, inspired by folk melodies of the Rzeszów region, and Béla Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin, a composition replete with energy and expressionist dramatism, born from a fascination with the “underground” world filled with passion and contrasts. In the chamber version, arranged by Joolz Gale, Bartók’s piece gains a particular sonic clarity and intensity. Moreover, the concert will constitute the Polish premiere of this arrangement, performed by the young artists of the NOSPR Academy and musicians of the Maryland National Orchestral Institute + Festival.The concert showcasing young artists’ talents is a unique opportunity to discover music rooted in the past, yet sounding exceptionally modern.Julia Broniowska