The Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival, now in its 19th edition will take place from September 1 – 10, 2016, under the artistic direction of Elana Bashkirova. The festival provides a stage for new compositions, the re-discovery of rarely performed works, and quality performances of well-known and beloved chamber works. Concerts will take place at the YMCA, Mary Nathaniel Hall, 26 David Hamelech Street, Jerusalem.
One of the festival’s much anticipated traditions is the commission of a new work, this year, it is a composition by Yinam Leef: Yearning for Clarinet and String Quartet. The composition will hold its Israeli premiere at the festival on September 3, 2016, performed by Chen Halevi – clarinet, Alexander Sitkovetsky and Daniel Austrich – violins, Hartmut Rohde – viola and Tim Park – cello.
Guests of the festival for the first time include the German vocalist Matthias Goerne, who has performed on the most prominent stages of Europe (Update: due to illness, Matthias Goerne’s September 9th concert is cancelled)*. Goernes has previously performed in Israel with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Mezzo-Soprano Marina Prudenskaya, who currently performs with the Stuttgart Opera will also be coming to the festival for the first time. Les Vents Francais (Emmanuel Pahud – flute, François Leleux – oboe, Paul Meyer – clarinet, Radovan Vlátković – horn, Gilbert Audin – bassoon, Eric Le Sage – piano) will perform several works as an ensemble, and the different members of this unique wind ensemble will also lend their talents to other performances throughout the festival. The young (22 years old) cellist Edgar Moreau, recipient of the 2015 Victoires de la Musique award, will also be a guest of the festival.
The festival traditionally celebrates significant musical anniversaries. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the great Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, and several of his works will be performed at the festival. It is also the 150th anniversary of the Italian composer Ferrucio Busoni. Composer, pianist, and conductor, Busoni came from a musical family and was a sought-after pianist in Berlin, whose compositions ranged from the romantic to the a-tonal. The festival will also mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the German composer Max Reger. Composer, pianist, conductor and organist, Reger composed chamber and choral music.
Special weekend concerts will include The Michelangelo Quartet in an all-Beethoven program on Friday, September 2nd; Baritone Matthias Goerne with Elana Bashkirova on the piano performing Berg and Schubert on Friday, September 9th; Yūko Shiokawa on violin and Sir András Schiff on piano performing J.S. Bach, Busoni and Beethoven on Saturday, September 10th.
The full program is available in English on the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival website. Tickets for each concert are 170 NIS, with discounts available for multiple purchases, seniors, students, and friends of the festival. To order call: 02-6250444. The Festival website: www.jcmf.org.il
***UPDATE*** Due to illness, Matthias Groene was obliged to cancel his appearance at the festival. The concert on September 9th has been cancelled, and will not be rescheduled. Groenas conveyed his deep regret, and hopes to return to perform here at a future date. Ticket holders who purchased their tickets with a credit card will be reimbursed through their credit card company, those who purchased tickets in cash, will be reimbursed at the box office.
The Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director – Elana Bashkirova, Director and Producer – Hana Manch, Chairman of the Board – Yeheskell Beinisch.
