Two decades after its tour to Sweden, Cantus Ansambl revisits that important chapter through a new collaboration with Swedish composers and trombonist Ivo Nilsson, who will also present the world premiere of his own new work. The programme brings together contemporary authors of different generations and aesthetic orientations. The evening will feature the world premiere of +Doomscrolling by Davor Vincze, alongside works by Swedish composers Karin Rehnqvist, Kent Olofsson and Jacob Mühlrad, as well as a performance of Solo by Helena Skljarov.

 

“Back in 2006, Sweden organised a project with several European countries titled Musical Links. Although Croatia was not yet a member of the EU, we were invited to participate and gave four concerts with our then enfant terrible, soloist Ratko Vojtek. With this concert, we wish to recall that project. Trombonist and composer Ivo Nilsson will appear in a dual role, both as soloist and as composer of a new work. Subsequently, we will perform in Stockholm with a combined Croatian–Swedish programme as guests of their spring festival Svensk Musikvår. At that Swedish concert, my new composition, written especially for Ivo Nilsson, will also receive its premiere,” explains the ensemble’s Artistic Director, Berislav Šipuš.

 

A Compositional Arc

 

Speaking about the distinctive features of the upcoming concert, conductor Berislav Šipuš adds: “I believe we will once again experience a kind of compositional arc – from a more traditional approach, perhaps most evident in the work of Jacob Mühlrad, through the more intimate pieces by Karin Rehnqvist and Kent Olofsson, to Ivo Nilsson’s substantial concerto-like work for trombone and ensemble. In it, he will perform on various wind devices and ‘sound toys’, including trombone and theremin, using different sirens and moving across the stage. It is an active and engaged type of solo performance with a strong theatrical component, while the ensemble has an extremely demanding part. I would say that this work occupies a middle ground stylistically.

 

It will be followed by compositions by Helena Skljarov and Davor Vincze, who is perhaps closest to today’s mainstream musical language – rich in effects, extended techniques, noises and diverse sound textures, with fewer tones in the traditional sense. Helena Skljarov, characteristically for her compositional voice, focuses on the performative dimension: the chess player becomes an important stage role, and specific roles also emerge within the ensemble. Individual musicians step forward in solo passages or even participate vocally, so that each performer acquires a distinct and recognisable identity.”

 

Alongside Cantus Ansambl under the direction of Berislav Šipuš, the Zagreb concert will feature guest artist Ivo Nilsson – trombonist and chess player – while ensemble members Žarko Perišić (bassoon) and Jasen Chelfi (cello) will appear as soloists.

 

Join us on Monday, 2 March, at 8 p.m. in the Small Hall of Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. Tickets are available via the provided link.