Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Violin
David Geringas, Cello
Mikhail Mordvinov, piano

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Trio in G major, KV 564
Among others

One of the most recognisable Ukrainian composers today is undoubtedly Valentin Silvestrov. On St Andrew’s Eve, we will hear his new work, co-commissioned by the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra. Silvestrov’s works are renowned for drawing listeners to the treasure troves of the past and the arsenals of memory. We will visit these places, listening to compositions by such masters as Bach, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. The entire performance will be directed by the distinguished Dmitry Sitkovetsky.

The commission, Moments of Memory VI, was created through the collaboration of several institutions, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, with which the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra collaborated last season. This is the sixth work in a series whose aim, as with all of this artist’s work, seems to be to bring to life music rarely heard today. Among the crumbs of things heard a long time ago were waltzes, mazurkas, and serenades. We don’t yet know where Silvestrov will take us this time, but distant times and memories will certainly come alive again thanks to music imbued with a sense of loss and emptiness.

Other elements of the programme will also serve as vehicles for remembrance. Arrangements of Felix Mendelssohn’s famous Lieder ohne Worte, authored by Dmitry Sitkovetsky, will transport us to a world of Romantic sentiment. Born in Baku and educated in Moscow and the United States, this  master of playing/directing will lead the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra. Sitkovetsky also arranged Johannes Brahms’s String Sextet No. 2. Although this work dates back to the formative period of the composer of A German Requiem, it is already marked by haunting maturity. The furthest thing we can take you back in time is Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor – one of only two known works of this genre written by the Köthen Kapellmeister.

Burning to discover the secrets of outstanding musicians’ craft and study under their guidance? Are you aged 15–35 and a student, undergraduate, or graduate of a Polish music school or university? If so, this is a perfect choice! The NFM MASTERCLASS is just for you – a series of meetings and masterclasses with artists visiting the NFM.

After the great success in 2019, you can now look forward to the next edition of the concert series CONCERT SPIRITUEL – inspired by a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. The Concert spirituel (“Spiritual Concert”) is one of Europe’s first public concert series and significantly shaped the musical taste of that era. The first series began in 1725 in Paris and soon inspired further series in cities such as Vienna and London.

The Minoritenkirche, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna, provides a unique setting for unforgettable classical concerts. With its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, it transforms every performance into a magical experience. Here, history and music merge into a harmonious unity as world-renowned musicians interpret masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and many others with the utmost perfection.

These concerts are a feast for the senses: the rich sound of the strings, virtuosic solos, and masterful interpretations of great works illuminate the church in a truly special way. Thanks to its outstanding acoustics, every note comes to life—delicate pianissimo fill the space with intimacy, while powerful forte passages resonate majestically.

Performers:

• Les Orpheistes Orchestra

• Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Violin and Conductor

• Amira Abouzahra, Violin

• Mariam Abouzahra, Violin

Program:

• Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Five Songs without Words
  (arranged for string orchestra by Dmitry Sitkovetsky)

• J. S. Bach: Concerto for Three Violins and Orchestra in D Major

• Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto grosso in D minor for Two Violins and Cello

• Arvo Pärt: Fratres for Violin, Strings and Percussion

• Béla Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances for Violin and String Orchestra
  (arranged by Dmitry Sitkovetsky)

After the great success in 2019, you can now look forward to the next edition of the concert series CONCERT SPIRITUEL – inspired by a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. The Concert spirituel (“Spiritual Concert”) is one of Europe’s first public concert series and significantly shaped the musical taste of that era. The first series began in 1725 in Paris and soon inspired further series in cities such as Vienna and London.

The Minoritenkirche, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Vienna, provides a unique setting for unforgettable classical concerts. With its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, it transforms every performance into a magical experience. Here, history and music merge into a harmonious unity as world-renowned musicians interpret masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and many others with the utmost perfection.

These concerts are a feast for the senses: the rich sound of the strings, virtuosic solos, and masterful interpretations of great works illuminate the church in a truly special way. Thanks to its outstanding acoustics, every note comes to life—delicate pianissimo fill the space with intimacy, while powerful forte passages resonate majestically.

Performers:

• Les Orpheistes Orchestra

• Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Violin and Conductor

• Amira Abouzahra, Violin

• Mariam Abouzahra, Violin

Program:

• Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Five Songs without Words
  (arranged for string orchestra by Dmitry Sitkovetsky)

• J. S. Bach: Concerto for Three Violins and Orchestra in D Major

• Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto grosso in D minor for Two Violins and Cello

• Arvo Pärt: Fratres for Violin, Strings and Percussion

• Béla Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances for Violin and String Orchestra
  (arranged by Dmitry Sitkovetsky)