Kharkiv Music Fest Presents "Meditations in Time" Program in Kyiv with Spanish-German Conductor Rok Fargas
Date: 2023-11-06 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CULTURE
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Kharkiv Music Fest, in partnership with the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, is presenting an evening of remarkable premieres. This concert marks the first performance in Ukraine by the young conductor Rok Fargas, alongside the National Ensemble of Soloists "Kyiv Camerata." It also includes the premiere of a contemporary composition by Dmitro Malyy and "Meditations" by Valentin Bibik, works that have been absent from Ukraine's music scene for a considerable time.
The program, titled "Meditations in Time," revolves around the concept of time and its significance in our lives, a topic that gained immense attention during the full-scale invasion of 2022. Noted street artist Hamlet Zin'kivsky emphasized the importance of acknowledging time in the wake of the invasion, and this program delves into the pulsations of history. Yulia Nikolaevska, the concert's host and the festival's program director, sheds light on the essence of the program, a collaboration with the National Ensemble "Kyiv Camerata" and the Spanish-German conductor Rok Fargas.
The heart of the program features compositions by Ukrainian composers Valentin Bibik and Dmitro Malyy, each uniquely attuned to the flow of time. Additionally, the concert will include Béla Bartók's "Six Romanian Dances for String Orchestra," Manuel de Falla's "El Amor Brujo," and Joseph Haydn's iconic "Farewell" Symphony No. 45.
A special highlight of the concert is the fresh orchestration and voices for Valentin Bibik's "Meditations" for piano and chamber orchestra. Maxim Shadko, an internationally acclaimed artist and laureate of multiple competitions, will perform the solo part, showcasing his deep appreciation for Valentin Bibik's work and his role as a soloist at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine since 2023.
Dmytro Malyy has created a distinct version of his Pasacaglia, "The Last Song of an Angel," for a chamber orchestra, a premiere exclusively for the "Kyiv Camerata." This rendition was completed in Kharkiv in 2022. The concert program will also include compositions by Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, and Manuel de Falla.
Rok Fargas, the conductor, expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating, "Farewell Symphony" by Joseph Haydn in the program serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the well-being of those who serve in challenging conditions. Its final tranquility in major key serves as a reminder that hope is ever-present, even in the darkest moments."
This event marks Rok Fargas's first visit to Ukraine, where he will not only conduct but also make his inaugural appearance in the country. He expressed his sincere regret that his first visit coincides with such a challenging period for Ukraine, acknowledging the country's need for weapons but also emphasizing the significance of culture and music during times of war, as it provides people with a sense of full-fledged life.
The event is organized by the charitable foundation "Toloka," Kharkiv Music Fest, and the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, with the support of Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
A concert in support of Ukraine took place in Berlin's Red Town Hall, featuring the participation of Berlin's mayor and the leadership of the Mitte district.
The program, titled "Meditations in Time," revolves around the concept of time and its significance in our lives, a topic that gained immense attention during the full-scale invasion of 2022. Noted street artist Hamlet Zin'kivsky emphasized the importance of acknowledging time in the wake of the invasion, and this program delves into the pulsations of history. Yulia Nikolaevska, the concert's host and the festival's program director, sheds light on the essence of the program, a collaboration with the National Ensemble "Kyiv Camerata" and the Spanish-German conductor Rok Fargas.
The heart of the program features compositions by Ukrainian composers Valentin Bibik and Dmitro Malyy, each uniquely attuned to the flow of time. Additionally, the concert will include Béla Bartók's "Six Romanian Dances for String Orchestra," Manuel de Falla's "El Amor Brujo," and Joseph Haydn's iconic "Farewell" Symphony No. 45.
A special highlight of the concert is the fresh orchestration and voices for Valentin Bibik's "Meditations" for piano and chamber orchestra. Maxim Shadko, an internationally acclaimed artist and laureate of multiple competitions, will perform the solo part, showcasing his deep appreciation for Valentin Bibik's work and his role as a soloist at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine since 2023.
Dmytro Malyy has created a distinct version of his Pasacaglia, "The Last Song of an Angel," for a chamber orchestra, a premiere exclusively for the "Kyiv Camerata." This rendition was completed in Kharkiv in 2022. The concert program will also include compositions by Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, and Manuel de Falla.
Rok Fargas, the conductor, expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating, "Farewell Symphony" by Joseph Haydn in the program serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the well-being of those who serve in challenging conditions. Its final tranquility in major key serves as a reminder that hope is ever-present, even in the darkest moments."
This event marks Rok Fargas's first visit to Ukraine, where he will not only conduct but also make his inaugural appearance in the country. He expressed his sincere regret that his first visit coincides with such a challenging period for Ukraine, acknowledging the country's need for weapons but also emphasizing the significance of culture and music during times of war, as it provides people with a sense of full-fledged life.
The event is organized by the charitable foundation "Toloka," Kharkiv Music Fest, and the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, with the support of Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
A concert in support of Ukraine took place in Berlin's Red Town Hall, featuring the participation of Berlin's mayor and the leadership of the Mitte district.
