Atrium of Livadić Cafe (in case of rain: St Anastasia Parish Church)
Wednesday, 28/8 at 8PM
Free entry!
BIOGRAPHY
The first-time Youngmasters lecturer Ieva Pranskutė (violin) and Samobor musician Mislav Brajković (cello) form the Xylos Duo, an ensemble that has captivated audiences worldwide with their electric performances, blending the richness of classical music with the vibrancy of contemporary compositions. Since their inception nine years ago, this dynamic duo has developed a deep musical bond, evident in every note they play, whether on the grand stages of the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, or in more intimate settings.
Ieva Pranskutė, a Lithuanian violinist, began her musical journey at six with a solo debut and has since performed globally, including with Kremerata Baltica and renowned artists like Gidon Kremer and Martha Argerich. Educated in Vienna under masters like Pavel Vernikov, Ieva has won numerous international awards. Her performances span prestigious venues like Vienna’s Hofburg and Wigmore Hall in London, and she is recognized for promoting Lithuanian culture internationally.
Mislav Brajković has earned significant acclaim, including four “Knowledge Oscars” from Croatia’s Ministry of Education. A top prize winner at competitions like the CARSA and Antonio Janigro International Competitions, Mislav studied in Zagreb and Vienna, where he excelled in cello and chamber music. He has performed in major venues such as the Wiener Musikverein and Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam, and is a founding member of several ensembles.
Together, Ieva and Mislav have created a powerful and versatile ensemble that resonates with audiences of all ages. The Xylos Duo not only delivers captivating performances but also offers a sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional classical music. Their commitment to musical diversity—from classical masterpieces to contemporary works—ensures that their performances are both timeless and relevant. Notably, they were awarded the “Kodály Award” at the ISA Prague-Vienna-Budapest Festival for their outstanding performance of the duo op. 7.
As members of various ensembles, including the Doreen Quartet and Xylos Trio, Ieva and Mislav continue to push the boundaries of classical music, earning accolades and inspiring audiences around the world. Their performances, documented in numerous radio and television productions across Austria and Lithuania, are a testament to their extraordinary talent and dedication to their craft.
In every performance, Ieva and Mislav invite their audiences to embark on a musical journey, creating an atmosphere where the magic of music comes alive, and the rich traditions of classical music are seamlessly intertwined with the energy of the present.
PROGRAM: Around the world
W.A. Mozart (1756-1791): Duo in G-major, K423
G.B. Cirri (c. 1720-c. 1820): Duo No. 4
P. Vasks (1946- ): Castillo Interior
A. Šenderovas (1945-2019): Dialogues
O. Kukal (1964- ): Duo for Violin & Cello
A. Igudesman (1973- ): Duos
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific and influential Austrian composer of the Classical era, known for his mastery across various musical forms, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, and concertos. The Duo in G Major, K. 423 was written for violin and viola. This piece is part of a set of two duos (K. 423 and K. 424) that Mozart composed in 1783 to help his friend Michael Haydn, who was unable to complete a commission for six such duos. The work is particularly noted for the equal partnership between the violin and viola, showcasing Mozart’s skill in creating engaging and balanced chamber music for these two instruments.
Gioachino Battista Cirri (circa 1720–circa 1808) was an Italian composer and cellist who made significant contributions to the Baroque and early Classical music periods. His Duo No. 4, composed for cello and continuo, exemplifies his virtuosic style and innovative approach to chamber music. This work stands out for its intricate interplay between the cello and the accompanying continuo, showcasing Cirri’s skill in blending lyrical melodies with complex, technically demanding passages. The duo reflects the transition from Baroque to Classical aesthetics, highlighting Cirri’s ability to merge expressive depth with structural clarity, making it a notable piece in the repertoire for cellists and chamber musicians.
Pēteris Vasks is a renowned Latvian composer known for his deeply spiritual and evocative music, often reflecting themes of nature, human struggle, and hope. His piece “Castillo Interior”, composed for solo cello, is inspired by the writings of Saint Teresa of Ávila, particularly her mystical work “The Interior Castle.” The composition is a meditative and introspective journey, exploring the inner spiritual realms through a series of seven movements that correspond to the seven stages of spiritual development described by Saint Teresa. “Castillo Interior” is characterized by its haunting melodies, rich textures, and the use of extended techniques, creating a powerful and contemplative atmosphere that challenges the performer both technically and emotionally.
Anatolijus Šenderovas was a distinguished Lithuanian composer celebrated for his emotionally charged and deeply expressive music, which often draws on his Jewish heritage and the cultural history of Eastern Europe. His piece “Dialogues” is a prominent example of his work, written for violin and cello, and it exemplifies his ability to create intense, intimate musical conversations between instruments. The composition is marked by its rich harmonic language and dramatic contrasts, where the two instruments engage in a complex, sometimes confrontational, exchange. “Dialogues” explores themes of communication, conflict, and reconciliation, reflecting Šenderovas’s broader interest in the human condition and the power of music to convey profound emotional experiences.
Oleg Kukal was a Czech composer known for his innovative and evocative contributions to contemporary classical music. His “Duo for Violin and Cello” is a notable work that highlights his adeptness at blending traditional forms with modern sensibilities. Composed with an emphasis on the interplay between the two instruments, the duo features a range of textures and dynamics that allow both the violin and cello to shine individually and in harmony. The piece is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonic language, and expressive depth, showcasing Kukal’s ability to craft music that is both technically demanding and emotionally resonant. This duo stands out as a testament to Kukal’s skill in creating engaging chamber music that challenges performers while captivating audiences.
Aleksandar Igudesman is a contemporary composer and violinist renowned for his inventive and genre-blending compositions that often merge classical sophistication with playful elements of humor and theatrics. His work “Duos” is a compelling example of his creative approach, composed for violin and various other instruments, including cello. This collection of duos showcases Igudesman’s ability to blend virtuosic demands with engaging, often whimsical musical dialogues. The pieces in “Duos” reflect his knack for merging technical brilliance with entertaining, narrative-driven elements, providing performers with opportunities for both expressive depth and engaging stage presence. The work is celebrated for its inventive use of the duo format, offering a fresh perspective on chamber music through Igudesman’s unique blend of wit, emotion, and technical prowess.
