TIP

Opening concert with works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Witold Lutosławski and jam session on Shostakovich themes - Denis Matsuev (p), Alexander Malofeev (p), Tibor Gyenge (v), Federico Kasik (v), Norbert Anger (vc).

Gohrisch - that almost sounds like Shostakovich. After all, the venue for the now established "Shostakovich Days" is the place of origin of his legendary 8th String Quartet, which he composed here in 1960 in the face of war-ravaged Dresden as one of his key works in inner turmoil. Leipzig, with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of J. S. Bach's death, was already a prominent station for him in 1950, where he was inspired to write the Preludes and Fugues op. 87.

This time Gohrisch has the motto "Shostakovich and Polish Modernism". In addition to Dmitri Shostakovich, the focus is on fellow composers known to him from the Warsaw Autumn with reasonably round birthdays Witold Lutosławski (105), Krzysztof Penderecki (85) and Krzysztof Meyer (75).

In the concert barn of the idyllic climatic health resort Gohrisch, central chamber music, choral and orchestral works will be heard, which will illustrate the mutual influences and own handwriting of the four composers. Renowned musicians will be featured in three world premieres and three German premieres, among others.

Musical highlights include a string quartet by Meyer written for the festival, a new version of a Ciaccona by Penderecki, and works by Honegger, Mahler, and Stravinsky arranged by Shostakovich for two pianos and four hands, respectively. The recent sensational find of an Impromptu for viola and piano by Shostakovich is heard for the first time.

By the way, but not least: Leipzig's new Gewandhaus dramaturge Tobias Niederschlag will moderate a conversation about the festival motto with Penderecki and Meyer, among others!