Shaped by diverse life paths and cultural backgrounds, four female composers are the focus of a significant program conducted by guest conductor Susanne Blumenthal. The focus on Ukraine is central: the concert marks the beginning of a five-year collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute, which will illuminate the work of persecuted Ukrainian composers from the Soviet era and provide a platform for young Ukrainian composers. The focus is on Stefania Turkevych, arguably the first Ukrainian female composer, and her symphonic poem “La Vita” (1965). Turkevych lived from 1898 to 1977, studied in Berlin with Arnold Schoenberg and Paul Hindemith, wrote more than one hundred works—and was almost erased from music history. After fleeing the Soviet regime to the West following World War II, her music remained banned in Soviet Ukraine for a long time. With this collaboration, the Basel Sinfonietta addresses the responsibility of artists in times when freedom of expression is under pressure and highlights the importance of artistic creation and sharing: for in the midst of war and conflict, art can be not only expression, but also resistance, solace, and a bridge. The contemporary counterpart to Turkevych is the Ukrainian composer Anna Korsun. Her 2016 work “In einem anderen Raum” (“In Another Space” ) for orchestra and smartphones conveys the experience of simultaneous closeness and distance—being in one place and perceiving something that seemingly belongs elsewhere. Far removed from technology, Norwegian composer Kristine Tjøgersen takes us on a sound journey into the forest: «Between Trees» explores conversations between trees, the interconnections of flora and fauna, and the relationship between humans and nature. The program is complemented by the world premiere of Ezko Kikoutchi’s “INOCHI 命” (Japanese for “Life”). The Japanese-Swiss composer approaches the question of the meaning of life in a personal way: “To live and create music at the same time—that is the most important thing for me. To get lost, to move forward, to rejoice, and sometimes to grieve and feel sorrow. […] When this precious life is woven into sound, how will it resonate in the hearts of those who listen?”

Program:
Kristine Tjøgersen – «Between Trees» (Swiss Premiere)
Anna Korsun – «In einem anderen Raum» for orchestra and smartphones
Ezko Kikoutchi – «INOCHI 命» (World Premiere)
Stefania Turkevych – Symphonic Poem «La Vita» (Swiss Premiere)