Bridges of Contemporary Music at Vyšehrad

A concert from the Bridges of Contemporary Music series dedicated to sacred music for violin and organ. The organs in the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul rank among the most significant Romantic instruments in the Czech Republic - and this rare combination in contemporary composition and the repertoire of the past two centuries stands at the heart of the cycle's dramaturgical concept.

The evening will feature two world premieres. Commissioned by the cycle, Pavel Zemek Novák has composed "Twelve Metamorphoses" based on his own theme from the Passion of St. Matthew for violin and organ. Violinist Tereza Horáková has previously premiered several of his works, including a Trio for violin, viola and piano, Adoration for 70 percussion instruments and violin, and a Melodrama for Jan Skácel. The second premiere will be "Aria silenziosa" by Berlin-based composer Albert Breier, with whom Horáková has collaborated extensively.

Beyond the premieres, the programme will also include works originally written for different instrumentation: Szymanowski's Myths (originally for violin and piano) and Arvo Pärt's Fratres in an arrangement for violin and organ, alongside Bach's Chaconne in D minor and Prelude and Fugue in G minor. Sacred themes permeate the entire programme and create a dramaturgical continuity, particularly with Novák's premiered composition.

Organist Lukáš Dvořák, a graduate of HAMU and several study periods abroad in Denmark and the Netherlands, serves as organist of the Royal Collegiate Chapter at Vyšehrad. He and Tereza Horáková have performed together at festivals throughout the Czech Republic and Germany.

- Violin: Tereza Horáková
- Organ: Lukáš Dvořák

Programme:
- Albert Breier - Aria silenziosa - world premiere
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Chaconne in D minor for solo violin BWV 1004
- Karol Szymanowski - Myth No. 1 - The Fountain of Arethusa
- Johann Sebastian Bach - Prelude and Fugue in C major
- Arvo Pärt - Fratres
- Pavel Zemek Novák - Twelve Metamorphoses based on his own theme from the Passion of St. Matthew for violin and organ - world premiere