This week marks the much-anticipated reunion of Patricia Kopatchinskaja and her esteemed colleagues from Solistes de l’Ensemble Intercontemporain, gracing the stage at Cité de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris. The two concerts on 25 November showcase commissioned pieces from a diverse range of composers, forming an anthology of musical dialogues that bridge the gap between today’s composers and Bach’s timeless Musical Offering.

Central to both performances is the thematic exploration of war and peace. The ensemble tasked the young composers with contemplating the horrors of our time and the endless unresolved conflicts. Notable pieces as part of both programmes that evening include Clemens K. Thomas’ new work Girls and Panzer and George Crumb’s evocative Black Angels, which delves into the narrative of the Vietnam War. Additionally, the concert will feature PATKOP​’s own composition, FlügelnWund. The diverse program also includes pieces by Sara Glojnaric (Box of Chocolate), Anna Korsun, Leonardo Marino, Blaise Ubaldini, and works by Luigi Nono and Salvatore Sciarrino.

Adding a personal touch, the program includes The Concerto for Violin and Ensemble by American composer Michael Hersch, conducted by Pierre Bleuse. Kopatchinskaja, who premiered the piece in 2015, shares her admiration for Hersch’s uncompromising work:

Both performances are complemented by a webcast on Arte Concert and Philharmonie Live, allowing audiences to experience this musical journey.