Journey to Jerusalem / Saša Rašilov

The extraordinary life of Czech humanist Kristof Harant of Polžice and Bezdružice came to a premature end on the Old Town Square in Prague on 21 June 1621. Due to historical upheavals, Harant's musical legacy survived only incompletely. A new project by Cappella Mariana aims to present all his surviving compositions—including fragments in authentic arrangements—and to bring closer his literary legacy: a travelogue of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and back, a unique undertaking of its time. Selected excerpts from the travelogue will be recited by actor Saša Rašilov; they will serve as a guide on a musical journey to Cyprus, Jerusalem, Sinai, and Cairo, where alongside Harant's compositions, music from distant lands will also be heard.

The project welcomes Kiya Tabassian, a setar player and artistic director of the ensemble Constantinople, who through his Persian roots seeks a common musical language of both cultures. Cappella Mariana and Constantinople will thus combine their qualities in one performance interweaving both traditions. The evening includes an art video projection with original engravings from Harant's travelogue.

Performers:

CAPPELLA MARIANA
Vojtěch Semerád – artistic director, project conception
Hana Blažíková, Barbora Kabátková – soprano
Vojtěch Semerád, Tomáš Lajtkep, Ondřej Holub – tenor
Jaromír Nosek – bass

CONSTANTINOPLE (CA)
Kiya Tabassian – artistic director, setar, vocals
Didem Başar – kanun
Patrick Graham – percussion
Neva Ogszun – kemençe

Saša Rašilov – recitation