A set of same… hm… skills?... is still an essential part of the DNA in one of the most exciting parts of Europe, the Balkans. Its people are masters of surviving all hardships and trials of life. A unique mixture of optimism and stoicism, humour and humbleness, inventiveness, and instinct echoes in their fascinating musical tradition. Riddled with syncopes and ever-changing rhythms, it is a constant reminder that change is the only certainty in life.
It is precisely that bold spontaneity and optimism we wanted to capture in our 2021 programme. A variety of emotions and genres, ideas and challenges will make our minds soar and our pulses race.
Enabling us to achieve that goal, we are proud to present our artist in residence, the esteemed pianist Simon Trpčeski, author of the Makedonissimo project, featuring the essence of musicality and temperament of his motherland, North Macedonia. Joining Trpčeski, another world-renowned star adorns our 2021 artist list. The violončelist Daniel Müller-Schott is known for performances that “have the winning freshness of rediscovery”, making him a perfect companion on our 2021 musical journey. Romanian conductor Gabriel Bebeşelea will lead the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra on a whirlwind trip through a Hungarian and Romanian themed programme, featuring works by Franz Liszt, Zoltán Kodály and George Enescu. Balkan roots are an essential feature and binding element of the one-of-a-kind No Borders Orchestra. Their No return to Normality Programme will offer a daring and uncompromised look at the post-pandemic future and the necessity to (re)invent our lives to preserve our planet.
Discover all this year’s artists and programmes at www-festival-maribor.si. Following our 2021 festival’s theme, we remain creative and optimistic! If anything happens, we’ll find our way and (re)invent the programmes once and again until we accommodate all the needs, rules, and demands, so please check our web pages regularly.
At least this is certain in these uncertain times: a bold, daring, thrilling journey awaits!
