The motto of Ensemble Dissonance is clear: walking on the edge. The musicians understand that without bold departures from established norms, artistic progress is impossible. Their programmes are daring, inventive, and rich in content – weaving together elements from different musical periods, styles, and genres.
At this year’s edition of the festival, they will once again collaborate with outstanding artists with whom they share a long-standing creative partnership. Among them is conductor Jonathan Stockhammer, who will perform with the ensemble for the fourth consecutive year and is renowned for his masterful interpretation of both classical and contemporary repertoire. He will be joined by acclaimed soprano Nika Gorič, a regular soloist with the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Ljubljana and the Slovenian National Theatre Maribor, as well as baritone Jaka Mihelač, soloist at the Berlin State Opera.
The concert will open with Nicht zu schnell by Gustav Mahler – an arrangement of a movement from his unfinished piano quartet, prepared by the ensemble’s founder and cellist Klemen Hvala. This early, sombre work was composed during Mahler’s first year at the Vienna Conservatory and reveals the influence of Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms.
Next on the programme is Book of Bodies by Slovenian composer Vito Žuraj – a powerful musical statement comprising five monologues set to poetry by Aleš Šteger, written for soprano and strings. The work creates a dense sonic fabric that moves through a variety of textures and expressive gestures.
The concert will conclude with Mahler’s song cycle The Youth's Magic Horn (Des Knaben Wunderhorn), arranged by Klaus Simon for soprano, baritone, and chamber ensemble – a colourful sequence of songs combining lyricism, contrast, and extraordinary expressive power.
