Camerata Philharmonica Slovaca

In the shadow of the famous pair of 20th-century Hungarian composers Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály stands their admirer – pianist, violinist, ethnomusicologist, and composer Pál Járdányi. He studied composition with Kodály and was interested in Hungarian folklore and ethnic idioms. His youthful opus, the lively Sinfonietta for string instruments, will be followed at the concert by Gounod's Petite Symphonie for wind instruments. Charles Gounod is best known as an opera composer; his Faust is perhaps the most famous musical version of Goethe's poetic poem. Gounod's two large symphonies and sacred works are almost unknown. Even the Petite Symphonie, which he composed in 1885, was forgotten and was not published until almost twenty years later.

Members of the Camerata Philharmonica Slovaca ensemble, which was founded last year before the BHS at the initiative of Marián Turner, general director of the Slovak Philharmonic, have also included a work by Marek Brezovský in the program. His dazzling talent amazed with its inventiveness, versatility, and ability to significantly cultivate even popular and art rock music. He collaborated with several groups and soloists in all genres. Sadly, he died of an overdose at the age of twenty.

The program will conclude with the great Richard Wagner. He was not a very pleasant or kind man. However, after the birth of his son Siegfried, his heart softened and he dedicated a charming serenade for chamber ensemble to his wife.

The baton will be wielded by Ken-Wassim Ubukata, cellist with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, who is also studying conducting, which he recently demonstrated at a concert by the Slovak Philharmonic.