Embracing Vulnerability

Johann Sebastian Bach: Chorale “O Haupt Voll Blut und Wunden” from the St Matthew Passion
Davor Branimir Vincze: The Wound Is the Place Where the Light Enters You
Isidora Žebeljan: Selište (Deserted Village)
Steve Reich: Different Trains:Europe, During the War
Arvo Pärt: Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten 
Franz Schubert: Adagio from the String Quartet in C major, D 956
Gustav Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5
Edward Elgar: Nimrod from the Enigma Variations, Op. 36

At a time when we continue to face existential concerns – after the pandemic, other challenges arose, ranging from war in our relative proximity to economic and ecological dilemmas – and it seems that we cannot breathe freely, we are also threatened by an entirely internal danger, namely, that we ourselves are becoming hardened and bitter. This issue is addressed by the new programme of a group of outstanding musicians from the Western Balkans, the No Borders Orchestra, which pursues its own Utopia and proves by its own example that, with the help of music, it is possible to rise above disagreements and conflicts and unite in a joint effort for the common good.

The theme of the concert Embracing Vulnerability is the uncertain feeling of vulnerability and the unpleasant state we experience when we step out of our comfort zone or when we feel like we are losing control. With a wide range of evocative music, ranging from popular compositions by Bach, Schubert and Mahler to challenging contemporary works, the No Borders Orchestra proposes that we embrace difference and allow ourselves to be uncertain. It is precisely in this way that we can draw strength and recognise that new experiences provide an opportunity for change and growth. In this realisation, music can be our most reliable companion.