Harmony of the Spheres XXV

The 25th anniversary season of “Harmony of the Spheres” cycle, featuring six musical evenings titled “Portraits”, unravels connection of stylistic, aesthetic, and historical relationships, portraying not only musical personalities and traditions but also the resonance of cultural contexts through eloquent expression of sound. 

The opening concert, “Jubilee Portraits” reflects intimate expressiveness. Krek’s contemplation and ascetic focus intertwine with Ipavec’s romantic lyricism, revealing the sensitivity of salon-like poetry, while Shostakovich’s symphony opens a space for the experience of trauma - personal, historical, and universal. “Stylistic Elegance” illuminates the transition between two stylistic eras, tracing a musical shift in which form gradually gives way to the subject. The elegance of Galuppi and Albinoni flows into the more liberated expression of C. P. E. and J. C. Bach, showing the seeds of early classicism. The world of salon art comes alive at the December concert “Viennese Dance”, where technical brilliance meets ingenuity, and sentiment is paired with elegant distance, while the question of tradition as a starting point is posed by “Eternal Beauty”. Alongside a contemporary Slovenian premiere, we hear Mozart’s formal sensitivity and the composition of classical logic, infused with Tchaikovsky’s romantic passion. The Easter concert “Reflection of Light” is marked by sonic restraint and spiritual reflection; Osterc’s expressive suite and Mendelssohn’s string symphony culminate in Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater, rounding off the evening with a musical prayer. The closing concert explores the aesthetic of modest yet refined musical expression. Brinovec’s premiere and works by British composers – Britten, Berkeley, and Bridge – in restrained beauty and subtle form at the “Elaborate Simplicity” concert testify to a different kind of virtuosity, characterized by inner consistency and artistic sincerity. 

Mag. Kristina Preininger will explore portraits and self-portraits, Dr. Katra Meke will reveal the charm of Venetian elegance, we’ll dance along with Tjaša Debeljak Duranović, Kaja Cajhen will share her thoughts on beauty, Nataša Braunsberger will present an Easter motif, and Dr. Andrej Smrekar will guide us into the world of refined simplicity. 

In its jubilee season of Harmony of the Spheres, the Chamber String Orchestra of the Slovenian Philharmonic celebrates 25 years of dedicated musical creation and collaboration with visual arts in creative alliance with the National Gallery. We extend our sincere gratitude to the visionary founders, Mr. Boris Šinigoj and Dr. Andrej Smrekar, whose foresight and imagination paved the way for this unique cycle. 

Dr. Barbara Jaki Director, National Gallery of Slovenia

Ana Dolžan Artistic Director, Slovenian Philharmonic String Chamber Orchestra