The Avant Chamber Orchestra concert on Sunday 12 December will feature modernist classics. Fellow composers Karlheinz Stockhausen and György Ligeti will be explored through chamber and solo works in the Knights’ Hall.
One of the works to be performed is Tierkreis (“Animal Track”), one of Stockhausen’s most popular compositions, composed between 1974-75. Tierkreis goes through all twelve stars of the zodiac in simple melodies that can be played on almost any instrument. Stockhausen laid down a lot of rules for his work, but on the other hand gave a lot of freedom.
The people of Avant create their own version of the work. Musicians who are not unfamiliar with Stockhausen’s music have been gathered to perform and arrange the work. Among the musicians interpreting Stockhausen are accordionist Veli Kujala, kantele player Eija Kankaanranta, saxophonist Sampo Kasurinen and Karoliina Kantelinen, who also sings in the Värttinä band.
Avant’s artistic director, clarinetist Kari Kriikku, who also plays in the work, promises a performance that may surprise not only the audience but also the musicians themselves. “In Avant’s version, the liberties taken by Stockhausen are stretched to the limit – without forgetting the rules.”
Kriikku does not deny Stockhausen’s role as one of the leading figures of modernism. “Stockhausen’s interest began with his early work. But for many devoted fans, it was too much when he started composing about constellations and planets. I find all kinds of Stockhausen interesting.”
Another true modernist classic is György Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto, with the polyrhythmic cadenzas and solo stems of the 13-piece ensemble conducted by Taavi Oramo. The chamber works will be paired with solo works, giving a different perspective on the composers’ productions. Ligeti’s intense and extremely fast Continuum for harpsichord will be performed by Sanni Antikainen and Stockhausen’s Piano Piece IX will be interpreted by Mariola Aniolek.
Modernist classics: the Stockhausen & Ligeti concert on Sunday 12.12.2021 at 18:00 at the Ritarihuone in Helsinki. Tickets 30/25/15 € + delivery fee (from 1 €) in Lippupiste’s online shop(www.lippu.fi).
Guidelines for concert audiences
Avanti! strongly recommends the use of a face mask, good hand hygiene and keeping a safe distance from other parties. Only part of the hall’s capacity is available for sale. You cannot attend the concert if you have mild symptoms of covid19 or suspect exposure to the infection.
*updated 3.12.
