Five compositions by composer Benjamin Yusupov will be performed in next week’s Czech or world premiere by the Brno Philharmonic. The author, who was born in the Tajik metropolis of Dushanbe and works in Israel, was the resident artist of the Brno Philharmonic eight years ago.
Just before the upcoming concert in Brno, Yusupov will be celebrating his 60th birthday. “The works sound exotic and at the same time very European,” said Vítězslav Mikeš, orchestral dramaturg. “They were inspired by Central Asian folklore, Jewish music and African peoples. It is a well-thought-out synthesis that is elevated into a compelling concept that has established him as one of the most recognized composers in the world,” he added.
Yusupov composed for stars such as violinist Maxim Vengerov or cellist Misha Maisky.
The first concert entitled At the Crossroads of Cultures will take place next Wednesday, November 23, at Besední dům. Four of Yusupov’s chamber compositions for piano will be performed, all in Czech premieres. The composer himself, the chief conductor of the Brno Philharmonic Dennis Russell Davies, his artistic and life partners Maki Namekawová and Jan Vojtek will gradually sit down to the instrument. He will be accompanied by his Bohémo Trio.
The next two nights were included in a program called Picture of the Soul, set in the Janáček Theatre. The world premiere will feature the Kreutzer sonata, which Jusupov composed as a tribute to Leoš Janáček, commissioned by the Brno Orchestra and the Leoš Janáček Foundation. Cooperation between the two entities should also continue in the future. “Both world-renowned writers and Czech composers of different generations will be approached for the work,” suggested the foundation’s director, Ludmila Němcová.
On November 24 and 25, Yusupov’s concert for two clarinets and orchestra will also be performed at the Janáček Theatre, plus Symphony No.4 by Johannes Brahms in the second act.
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