1 September, 2020
Maribor

For the third year in a row, the concert series “Classics Today? tomorrow?” continues the search to place classical music in contemporary time and space. After two successful performances, we have successfully outlined the guidelines and laid the foundations for what we hope will be a long-term presence on the local concert scene.Where does classical music fit in today? Exclusively in concert halls? Churches? Weddings? Festivals? Clubs? Elevators? Shops? Does it belong anywhere else? And in what form? Strictly evening, glitzy, with choice words, fine wine? Original, as it once was, or is modernisation allowed? Is it only desirable? Sensible?

Classical music, in the whirlwind of modern times, finds itself in a crisis of its once steely identity. It is as if it had fallen into a mixture of elitism, conservatism and time-consuming pedantry. The atomic “instant” age, with its information sufficiency, seems to have a hard time processing art, which requires a little more attention, time and reflection in its treatment.

But even classical music is still – after all – music! And in its very being, one of the functions of art is, after all, entertainment. Much of the classical repertoire was, and still is, written with this very purpose in mind. Technical perfection, virtuosity of performance and aesthetic and confessional contribution are the add-ons that only reinforce the basic purpose.

The series “Classics Today? Tomorrow?” is intended as proof that the curiosity of the individual is more than enough to enjoy classical music. It will present young, adventurous performers in less conventional ensembles who bring freshness and novelty to the classical scene, without neglecting the importance of quality performance and programme choice.

This year we are following the guidelines of previous years, i.e. to invite musicians who are looking for something more in their work. Most of them are young musicians who are looking for new ways to connect with their audiences. With a fresh performance, an unconventional ensemble, a choice of repertoire or an arrangement of established classics, they try to present classical music in a new way, adapted to the spirit of the times. In order to bring the concerts to even more people, we are starting a collaboration with RTV Slovenia.

Duration: September – November 2020

The concert series is supported by the Municipality of Maribor.

The Association EPEKA, Soc. Ent., supported by: