7th Winter festival
Programme
Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra
Roberto Abbado, conductor
Olga Kulčinska, soprano
Gaëlle Arquez, mezzosoprano
Francesco Demuro, tenor
Riccardo Zanellato, bass
Megaron Chamber Choir
Rossini’s cantata Stabat Mater, considered one of the most important pieces of sacred music of the nineteenth century, received its premiere performance in Paris in 1842. Demonstrating his customary mastery of the operatic idiom, the composer combined spectacular vocal passages with subtle orchestration, creating a wonderful atmosphere of profound religious sentiment. Although the Stabat Mater was not Rossini’s first religious work, it became one of his most popular. In addition to the original version, arrangements were later created by other composers, expanding and adapting the score for various performers and ensembles. Busoni found the inspiration for his suite Turandot in the Chinese story Turandot, which also served as the basis for Puccini’s famous opera of the same name. Busoni completed his orchestral suite in 1905 and the work received its premiere performance in Berlin that same year, conducted by the composer himself. Since then it has been one of Busoni’s best-known works, characterised by the composer’s brilliant writing for the piano and a rich sonic palette depicting the Asian scenes from the story. An ensemble consisting of the internationally renowned soloists Olga Kulchynska (soprano), Gaëlle Arquez (mezzo-soprano), Francesco Demuro (tenor) and Riccardo Zanellato (bass), the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Megaron Chamber Choir will be directed by the Italian conductor Roberto Abbado, a member of a distinguished musical family: his father was the pianist and composer Marcello Abbado and his uncle was the conductor Claudio Abbado. He has been the musical director of the Verdi Festival in Parma since 2018.