ENIGMA

The combination of a coloratura soprano’s crystal-clear high notes with the velvety depths of a mezzo-soprano voice has inspired composers throughout the ages to bring the entire cosmos of human emotions and mysteries to the stage.

The programme presents a diverse range of musical-dramatic forms of expression – from the Viennese Classical period through the Romantic era to modern works that combine elements of the avant-garde and jazz. Each work opens up its own world of sound and invites the audience on a journey of discovery between tradition and innovation.

A particular highlight of the concert is Hector Berlioz’s rarely performed dramatic scene ‘La mort de Cléopâtre’. The work demands the highest level of musical expressiveness and exceptional vocal mastery. Equally impressive is Mozart’s concert aria ‘Popoli di Tessaglia’, which presents a major challenge for both the coloratura soprano and the pianist. With its rhythmic variety, contrapuntal structure and demanding high tessitura, it ranks among the most virtuosic works of its genre.

‘Labyrinth V’ by Jörg Widmann offers a fascinating contrast. The composition explores the limits and possibilities of the human voice, combining technical brilliance with immediate emotional expressiveness.

Each piece is a journey through different soundscapes, uniting both tradition and innovation.

Anna IHRING, coloratura soprano
Yulia SAVRASOVA; mezzosoprano
Keiko KAMADA, piano