The vertiginously energetic interpretations of gifted conductor Teodor Currentzis are famous all over the world. His highly anticipated Athenian appearances of this season, with the musicAeterna Ensemble and Choir, feature two grandiose works of the contemporary repertoire.
Alfred Schnittke’s Concerto for Choir, one of the most masterly and dramatic works of the Russian composer, attempts to project the metaphysical element through the emotionally charged music and the mystical, enchanting poetry of Saint Gregory of Narek.
The work Tristia, by multi-award-winning French composer Philippe Hersant, is based on poems written by prisoners. His austere, atmospheric music acts as the ideal background for the poetry of people who found themselves in jail, either as criminals or as political prisoners. What their poetry has in common is the urgent need to safeguard their humanity and sensibility in the midst of a
grim environment.