The collaboration between Atom String Quartet and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra has lasted nearly a decade and has resulted in many inspiring projects, including jointly released albums. During the concert on February 16 at 6:00 PM, the musicians, under the direction of Christian Danowicz, will reinterpret compositions from their albums, including works by Hanna Kulenty-Majoor and members of the quartet. The evening will begin with the world premiere of Adam Wesołowski’s II Symfonia industrialna (Industrial Symphony No. 2) for string orchestra and multimedia.
One of the most notable recent works by Adam Wesołowski, a composer strongly connected with Silesia, is Sinfonia industrialna (Industrial Symphony) from 2018. In this piece, the artist merges tradition with modernity, combining the acoustic sound of string instruments with the noises of heavy industrial machinery. As with every world premiere, there is always an element of uncertainty: will II Symfonia industrialna, which will be performed for the first time by the musicians at the Main Hall of the NFM, explore these themes even more deeply?
Concerto Rosso by Hanna Kulenty-Majoor is based on the baroque instrumental concerto type known as “concerto grosso” and was created specifically for Atom String Quartet and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra. As the composer emphasizes, the starting point for the work was the word “rosso” (Italian for "red"), which reflects her new compositional style – “musique surréalistiqu”, a direction she had been pursuing for years. "Its aim is to transform not only nature or musical conventions but, above all, the emotions associated with music," says the artist. The score of the piece is precisely written, though the composer also allows room for improvisation. She notes that she wants to be only partially the "architect of the idea, in which the musical fabric is more under the control of the performers." This concept perfectly aligns with the approach of the Atom String Quartet artists.
In their concert repertoire, they often feature their own compositions and arrangements. They are not only recognized improvisers – each of them is also involved in composition, and the results will be presented during the concert. Works by Krzysztof Lenczowski (cello), Mateusz Smoczyński (violin), Michał Zaborski (viola), and Dawid Lubowicz (violin) will be performed. These pieces were released on the joint album Supernova, recorded by Atom String Quartet and the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra under the direction of Christian Danowicz. Supernova was recognized with a Fryderyk Award, the most prestigious honor in Polish phonography.
This promises to be an exciting evening of contemporary music, showcasing both the improvisational talents of the performers and the innovation of composers.
Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC
More: https://www.nfm.wroclaw.pl/component/nfmcalendar/event/11322
