NOW 3: Alchemist

Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra
Slovenian Philharmonic Choir 
SWR Vokalensemble from Stuttgart 
Solist: Tomoko Akasaka, viola 

Programme:
Arthur Honegger, Pacific 231, H. 53 (1923) 
Vito Žuraj,Alkimist | Alchemist for mixed choir and orchestra (2018) 
Giya Kancheli, Styx za viola, mixed choir and orchestra (1999) 


At the beginning of the eighteenth century, alchemist Friedrich Böttger discovered the formula for making porcelain, which until then had only been produced in China. Three hundred years later, he served as the inspiration for Vito Žuraj to write a composition dedicated to the history of various creative processes. James Watt’s steam engine was an even more groundbreaking invention. Patented in 1781, it led, among other things, to the development of the steam locomotive, which gained a cult sonic depiction in the work Pacific 231 by Arthur Honegger. In contrast to Žuraj and Honegger, Giya Kancheli paid homage to spirituality with Styx, which reflects the composer’s belief that the sound of the viola can establish a connection between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

Accompanying events:
POP 3
21 April 2027, at 6.30 pm 
Gallus Hall 
Cankarjev dom 
Presentation of compositions from the programme of NOW 3

21 April 2027
Lili Novy Glass Hall
Cankarjev dom
Post-concert gathering of the audience with composers and performers, with a selection of top-quality Slovenian wines.
Minister of Health warning: Alcohol consumption can be harmful to health!