While the Easter spirit fills the air with hope for peace, health and prosperity, music lovers in Sliven will have the pleasure of hearing a special baroque concert dedicated to the timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach.
On Holy Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., the captivating harmonies of the immortal composer will echo through the walls of the Sliven Hall, transporting the audience to an era of musical elegance and deep spiritual reflection.
The concert program includes a selection of four exquisite works, showcasing the author’s genius and the mastery of specially invited guest soloists. From the complex counterpoint to the emotional depth of expression, Bach’s music continues to captivate listeners centuries after its creation.
The evening will begin with BWV 1055r, a revised version of the Concerto in A major, featuring the virtuoso talent of violinist SOFIA PRODANOVA. A specialist in historically informed practice, with her baroque violin she became the first Bulgarian laureate in the over 60-year history of the J.S. competition. Bach in Leipzig. Her stage is Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Palace of Versailles, Elbfirharmonie in Hamburg, Konzerthaus Vienna, Opera in Brussels, Paris Philharmonic and many others.
The monumental concerto for harpsichord and orchestra in D minor BWV1052, will shine in the masterful interpretation of MARIO SOLAZZO. Our delightful guest was born in Naples and is the founder and director of NovAntiqua Records. He alternates his activities as a pianist and fortepiante with those of a harpsichordist and conductor, relying on an extensive repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary music. Mario Solazzo has performed for the most renowned festivals and concert seasons in Europe. Since 2006, he has been a professor at the Istituto Superiore di Studi Musicali Vecchi-Tonelli in Modena, where he also works with the Bulgarian opera legend Raina Kabaivanska.
The well-known and well-loved concerto for two violins and orchestra BWV 1043 will be performed by Sofia Prodanova and Kremena Oxenkrug.
The reworking of the BWV 1060 concerto, in a version for violin, oboe, cello, bassoon and orchestra, by oboist Plamen Prodanov, will also be performed for the first time.
The main cello role in the concert will be performed by the fantastic LINDA MANCHEVA, who has also dedicated her musical career to the historically informed performance practice of early music. She specializes in baroque cello at the University of the Arts in Berlin, performs actively throughout Europe, is a laureate of international baroque music competitions in Germany and Italy, and is a scholarship holder of the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation “LiveMusicNow”.
The most important features of the event, which will enrich the listener’s experience, are both the attention to detail, such as ornamentation, articulation and phrasing, and the effort to recreate the sound world of the composer’s time.
This concert is a tribute to the spirit of the holiest Christian holiday, a time of rebirth and spiritual contemplation, through the transcendental beauty of JS Bach’s music.
