Concert series Classics Today? tomorrow?

October, November and December, 2021
Maribor, various venues

For the fourth year in a row, the Classics today? tomorrow? concert series has continued its search for the place of classical music in contemporary time and space. After three successful performances, we have successfully charted the course and laid the foundations for a long-term presence in the local concert space.

In the past, we have hosted names that are well-known in the wider world. Oberton String Octet, Franziskus Ensemble, Rudi Katholnig and Hans-Peter Steiner, KUG Sax Sippia, Brass Band Slovenia, Vita Peterlin&Žan Trobas, Simon Širec and others.

In 2021, we have followed 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 arrangements of established classics. They try to present classical music in a new way, as close to the spirit of the times as possible.

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 “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 Classics Today? tomorrow? series 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.

Programme 2021:

• 26. 10. 21 – Duo El Clasico, Judgement Tower, Pristan 8, Maribor
• 9. 11. 21 – Spectrum Saxophone Quartett, Judgement Tower, Pristan 8, Maribor
• 13. 11.21 – Lara Hrastnik, Judgement Tower, Pristan 8, Maribor
• 20. 11.21 – Trio Tempestoso, Judgement Tower, Pristan 8, Maribor
• December 2021 (date not yet set) – Duo ChitAria.

The project is prepared in cooperation with the Centre of Jewish Cultural Heritage Synagogue Maribor, Narodni dom Maribor and Radio Maribor and is financially supported by the Municipality of Maribor and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia. The project is supported by the Student Campus.

Sašo Fekonja is the artistic director of the concert series “Classics today? tomorrow?”. Organiser of the series is the Association Epeka, Soc. Ent.