::archive 2025::
November 9, 2025: Annual Concert with the musica viva Chamber Orchestra
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the musica viva Chamber Orchestra will perform its annual concert. The concert will take place at 4:30 PM in the Old Town Hall in Leipzig’s city center.
Program: Franz Schubert – Symphony No. 7 ("Unfinished") – Conducted by Yannika Schad
Maurice Ravel – Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess) – Conducted by Aristides Strongylis
Claude Debussy – Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) – Conducted by Aristides Strongylis
January 17, 2025: VIVA musica viva – 30 Years of Musical Joy; concert at the Heilandskirche (repeat performance of the concert held on November 24, 2024, at the Old Town Hall in Leipzig)
Program: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Symphony No. 1 (Conductor: Yannika Schad)
Sergei Prokofiev, Classical Symphony (Conductor: Aristides Strongylis)
George Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue (Soloist: Silke Peterson; Conductor: Aristides Strongylis)
::archive 2024::
Performance at the "Classical Music for Children" Festival 2024
On September 21, 2024, Aristides will conduct the musica viva Chamber Orchestra at the annual "Classical Music for Children" festival in Leipzig. This edition features the support of new "Young Conductors" and a program comprising compositions for children and young people—including the third movement of Mendelssohn-Bartholdy’s Symphony No. 1 (conducted by Yannika Schad)—alongside animated films conceived and created by students from the forum thomanum primary school. The school’s children's choir, led by Matthias Schubotz, will also perform.
June 16, 2024 :: "KlangWerkRaum" Final Concert in the Gewandhaus Grand Hall
On June 16 at 7:00 PM, the five participants of this year’s "KlangWerkRaum" composition workshop presented three new pieces and one work from the previous season in the Grand Hall of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Together with Aristides Strongylis, they performed and showcased the pieces they had composed during the season. The composition workshop was aimed at music enthusiasts interested in making music and experimenting with new ideas.
May 4, 2024 :: Final Concert of the "Youth Composes Saxony" ("Jugend Komponiert Sachsen") Workshop with musica viva
New compositions for the musica viva Chamber Orchestra were created during a two-week workshop at forum thomanum, in collaboration with esteemed fellow composers Ehsan Mohagheghi-Fard and Gregor Forbes. The concert—featuring seven world premieres as well as Forbes’ "Tea Break"—took place on Saturday, May 4, at 4:00 PM at the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig.
The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Gerald Fauth, Rector of the HMT Leipzig.
::archive 2023::
December 16, 2023 :: Concert with Aitzol Iturriagagoitia
On December 16, 2023, the musica viva orchestra will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major (K. 216) with soloist Aitzol Iturriagagoitia (Spain), under the direction of Aristides Strongylis. The program also includes the Overture to Don Giovanni and The Hebrides by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (with Yannika Schad as co-conductor), as well as the Overture to Verdi’s Nabucco. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Leipzig Music School.
October 9–13: "Klangschmiede" 2023 :: Composition Course for Children and Young People at the Gewandhaus
The grand finale of the "Klangschmiede" 2023 composition course takes place from October 9 to 13 at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, where the children will present all the pieces they composed and rehearsed during the program. Anyone interested is invited to attend the presentation on Saturday, October 14, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gewandhaus’s Mendelssohn Hall. Participants will also take part in the Gewandhaus’s family organ concert on November 11 at 4:00 p.m., featuring Michael Schönheit and Malte Arkona.
Classical Music for Children 2023 :: Magic Spells – Family Concert with Magic Tricks, Compositions by Children and Youth, and Young Conductors
On September 15 and 16, 2023, the musica viva orchestra performed orchestral works composed by young people, under the direction of Yannika Schad and Aristides Strongylis. The event also marked the premiere of a conducting course for 9- to 13-year-olds, led by Aristides Strongylis. The participating children subsequently successfully conducted the orchestra in the second movement of Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 during the concert at St. Peter’s Church in Leipzig.
May 13, 2023 :: Final concert of the "Sachsen Komponiert" workshop with musica viva
New compositions for the chamber orchestra musica viva e.V. were created during a two-week workshop at the forum thomanum, in collaboration with esteemed fellow composers Sarvenaz Safari and Gregor Forbes. The concert, featuring the premieres of these works alongside Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and Strongylis’ "Equilibrium", will take place on Saturday, May 13, at 4:00 p.m. at the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig.
The event is held under the patronage of Prof. Gerald Fauth, Rector of the HMT Leipzig.
::archive 2022::
November 19, 2022 :: Concert with the musica viva Chamber Orchestra
On November 19, 2022, at 5:00 PM, the musica viva Chamber Orchestra will perform a concert at the Michaeliskirche in Leipzig (Gohlis), conducted by Aristides Strongylis. The program includes:
G. Verdi – La forza del destino
L. van Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 1 (Soloist: Prof. Frank Peter)
A. Strongylis – Equilibrium (1998), arrangement for chamber orchestra (2020)
A. Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (arranged for chamber orchestra)
September 14, 2022 :: "Rote, verlassene Erde" (red, abandoned earth) – Premiere with the MDR Symphony Orchestra
MDR-Clara, the youth music network of MDR KLASSIK, drew inspiration from the four elements—water, air, earth, and fire—to create a concert series for school classes; they commissioned Aristides Strongylis to compose a piece for students and orchestra centered on the theme of "Earth." The resulting work, "Rote, verlassene Erde", forms the centerpiece of a concert featuring students in grades 7–10 from the Christopherusschule Droyßig performing alongside the MDR Symphony Orchestra. The premiere takes place on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Capitol Zeitz. Afterwards, the students will go on tour with the MDR Symphony Orchestra:
Wednesday, September 14, 11:00 a.m.: Concert at Theater Zeitz im Capitol
Thursday, September 15, 2022: Concert at the Stadthalle Eisenberg
Friday, September 16, 2022: Concert at Goethe-Gymnasium Auerbach
Shortlisted :: The Judith Project in the running for the FEDORA Opera Prize 2023
The Judith Project, featuring mezzo-soprano Leonora Gaitanou, has been shortlisted alongside twelve other productions for the prestigious FEDORA Prize 2023! FEDORA—The European Circle of Philanthropists of Opera and Ballet—awards this prize to "outstanding artistic projects that foster international collaboration, creativity, social integration, intercultural dialogue, and digital innovation—both on stage and beyond." (FEDORA). Fingers crossed!
Recorded :: "The Seven Open Chakras of Dionysus" – Audio and Video
With funding from the GVL "Neustart Kultur" grant, Silke Peterson (piano) and Stefan Kaminsky (narrator) recorded Aristides' "The Seven Open Chakras of Dionysus" (audio and video). The result is available on YouTube in high-quality audio and video. Sound engineering by Steffen Seifarth; camera, editing, production, and post-production by Frohsinn Productions. Composition, texts, and text selection are by Aristides Strongylis.
The complete recording is available on YouTube in HQ.
Upcoming :: "Duke Bluebeard's Castle" – by and with Leonora Gaitanou
Since September 2021, Aristides has been working—commissioned by mezzo-soprano Leonora Gaitanou—on an arrangement of Béla Bartók’s opera "Duke Bluebeard's Castle". This project offers a reinterpretation of the Bluebeard myth from Judith's perspective. The opera is being adapted for a 27-piece ensemble, with the role of Bluebeard reimagined as a spoken part. Gaitanou herself is taking on the lead role, as well as handling the concept and direction—she is also singing the part of Judith. Below is the trailer for the production, which is scheduled to premiere in the summer of 2022.
2020 Premiere in Koblenz :: Video
A video and audio recording of the wonderful premiere of Aristides Strongylis’s "2020" from May 29, 2021, is now available on the YouTube channel of the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie.
March 25, 2022 :: Family Concert at the Gewandhaus with "Klangschmiede"
In this family concert, participants from last year’s "Klangschmiede" composition course (2022) will present the three pieces they created on the main stage of the Gewandhaus, joined by Gewandhaus organist Michael Schönheit and presenter Malte Arkona. Six students have crafted three compositions—scored for their own instruments and Orff instruments—and will perform them alongside the organ.
::archive 2021::
"2020" – A Work for the Rheinische Philharmonie :: Interview
On May 29, 2021, the Koblenz State Orchestra, under the direction of Chief Conductor Garry Walker, performed the orchestral piece "2020"—commissioned by the orchestra from Aristides Strongylis—during a concert workshop at the Rhein-Mosel-Halle. To mark the premiere, the Rheinische Philharmonie conducted an interview with the composer, which was shared on the Koblenz state orchestra's Facebook page.
Starting November 2, 2021 :: Klangwerkraum – Composition Workshop for Adults
On November 2, "Klangwerkraum" (Sound Workshop Space)—a composition workshop for adults at the Leipzig Gewandhaus—begins its season-long run. The group meets weekly to work on their own compositions. The results will be presented (both visually and aurally) in late spring, following a major concert by the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
October 25–30, 2021 :: Klangschmiede – Composition Workshop for Children
From October 25 to 30, the "Klangschmiede" (Sound Forge) composition workshop for students in grades 1 through 6 will take place at the Gewandhaus. Over the course of the week, Aristides will work with six children to create three wonderful compositions; these will premiere on Saturday, October 30, during a private event in the Mendelssohn Hall.
October 24, 2021 :: Come On In! Gewandhaus Open House Day
On October 24, Aristides will participate in the Gewandhaus Open House Day, hosting two composition workshops for adults to introduce the "Klangwerkraum" workshop series for the current season. Visitors of all ages are invited to make music, experiment, engage in creative activities, and immerse themselves in the concert hall's 40-year history.
September 25, 2021 :: Classical Music for Children – Prizewinners' Concert
On September 25, Aristides performs the children's and youth prizewinners' concert of the 16th "Classical Music for Children" festival alongside the musica viva chamber orchestra. The "Peter's Wolf" prizewinner and discovery concert features actor and puppeteer Christian Fux, children's choir director Matthias Schubotz with the forum-thomanum elementary school children's choir, and the orchestra. The program includes excerpts from Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" (arranged for winds), Samuel Barber's "Adagio" for strings, and movements from Dvořák's Symphony No. 9. Naturally, the winning compositions will also receive their premieres: "Kammerstück 1" for orchestra by Nona Maaß and a piece for winds by Antoine Eden. We congratulate all the prize winners!
May 29, 2021 :: Dazzling Premiere in Koblenz
On May 31, 2021, the premiere of Aristides Strongylis's "2020" took place at the Rhein-Mosel-Halle in Koblenz; the work was commissioned by the Rheinische Philharmonie, which described the piece as "dazzling." The concert was recorded (audio and video) on behalf of the Rheinische Philharmonie and will be made available for viewing in due course. Pictured here is the orchestra's chief conductor, Gary Walker, during the dress rehearsal with Aristides Strongylis (Photo: Rheinische Philharmonie).
Find out more on the Rheinische Philharmonie Facebook page.
May 2021 :: Artist of the Month at Konzertbüro Braun
In May 2021, Aristides Strongylis is featured as "Artist of the Month" by Konzertbüro Braun, the agency that has represented him since 2018.
Mosaik 2020 initiative by Calmus Ensemble :: Y and micro compositions from all over the world
Under the title "Mosaik 2020", the Calmus Ensemble invited composers from around the globe to create a miniature for vocal ensemble reflecting on life and emotions during the coronavirus era. Artists such as Bernd Franke, the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet, David Timm, Steffen Schleiermacher, and Esther Hilsberg contributed works that are moving, touching, or even lighthearted. These contributions can be viewed and heard on the project's website and on YouTube. With thanks to the German Federal Cultural Foundation (Kulturstiftung des Bundes) and the Cultural Office of the City of Leipzig.
May 29, 2021 ::: MORE MUSIC / IN BRIGHT LIGHT :: Commission from the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie – World premiere for the Beethoven Year
A commission from the Koblenz State Orchestra for the Beethoven Year brings Aristides Strongylis to Koblenz: the orchestral work titled "2020" will receive its world premiere on May 29, 2021, at 8:00 PM in the Rhein-Mosel-Halle. It will be performed, naturally, by the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie under the direction of Chief Conductor Garry Walker. The program, titled "MORE MUSIC / IN BRIGHT LIGHT", features Aristides Strongylis's "2020" (world premiere) alongside Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7—though, unfortunately, the performance will take place without an audience due to the current situation. However, the concert is being recorded by SWR2 for broadcast at a later date. The world premiere was postponed from the original date in October 2020 to May 2021.
Composition "Rote, verlassene Erde" (red, abandoned earth) for MDR School Project
A piece for orchestra and a school class was created for an MDR school music project. Schools within the MDR’s broadcast region can apply to participate, with one class selected from each federal state. Aristides’ piece, titled "Rote, verlassene Erde", will be performed as part of a program themed "Earth," alongside works from various musical eras. The school class will be positioned on stage on equal footing with the orchestra; students will play alongside professional musicians, learning to interact with other musical voices and follow the conductor. School workshops and the premiere are scheduled for autumn 2021.
musica viva :: New Program Performed at a Distance
The chamber orchestra musica viva is preparing its new program. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the repertoire includes works requiring the separation of strings and winds, as well as pieces for full ensemble. The performance is tentatively scheduled for summer 2021. The program features works such as Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 (soloist Prof. Frank Peter), a shortened version of Mussorgsky’s "Pictures at an Exhibition" for winds, Samuel Barber’s "Adagio for Strings", and Aristides Strongylis’s "Equilibrium" for chamber orchestra.
::archive 2020::
August 16, 2020 :: "Zwischen Tier und Gott" in Sievershausen
As part of an exhibition opening on Sunday, August 16, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., Ulrich von Wrochem will perform Aristides Strongylis’s "Zwischen Tier und Gott" (Between Animal and God) for viola at the Anti-War House ("Antikriegshaus") in Sievershausen (near Hanover). Sculptures by artist Getrud Schmidt will also be on display.
September 2020 :: 15th "Classical Music for Children" Festival
Leipzig’s interactive "Classical Music for Children" festival—which includes a composition competition—kicks off on September 25, 2020, at the Evangelical Reformed Church on Tröndlinring; naturally, all safety and social distancing measures will be observed. Children and young people up to the age of 19 are invited to compose a piece lasting three to five minutes. The premiere performances of the winning works will take place on September 26, 2020. Young composers may submit their entries until September 4.
The festival program includes a performance of Mozart’s "The Abduction from the Seraglio" (abridged version) on September 25, followed by the closing concert, "King David", on September 27. Performers include members of the Komische Oper and the musica viva chamber orchestra. Various workshops for children and young people—covering topics such as set design and stage construction—will also be offered as part of the festival.
March 7, 2020 :: "Adonai! Kyrie! Lord! Herr!" at the Kurt Weill Festival Dessau
On March 7, Aristides Strongylis’s choral work "Adonai! Kyrie! Lord! Herr!" will be performed at St. Peter’s Church ("Petruskirche") in Dessau. The performance is part of the 2020 Kurt Weill Festival—themed "What Are Borders?"—and commemorates the bombing and destruction of Dessau 75 years ago. The performers are Anja Pöche (soprano), Tilmann Löser (organ/piano), and the Leipzig Synagogue Choir, conducted by Ludwig Böhme. An event held in cooperation with the Protestant Petrus Congregation of Dessau-Nord.
Beethoven Experiment :: Classroom Meets MDR Symphony Orchestra
In an experimental project by the MDR Clara Network, students are writing their own piece—for the MDR Symphony Orchestra! Class 9/1 from the Goethe-Gymnasium in Bischofswerda is developing a collaborative composition with Aristides Strongylis over the course of six workshops. They will also follow the orchestra’s rehearsal process leading up to the concert. Subsequently, Aristides Strongylis will use this foundation to compose a work for symphony orchestra. The premiere of the piece, titled "Equality," will take place on January 26, 2020, at the Gewandhaus. Conducted by Kerem Hasan, the concert is part of the "Zauber der Musik" (Magic of Music) series and will be broadcast live on MDR Kultur and MDR Klassik. This unique experiment is part of the ARD Beethoven Experiment, marking the composer's 250th anniversary.
March 1, 2020 :: Lecture at the University of Halle/Saale
As part of the 14th Central German Conference on Music Theory and Aural Training, Aristides Strongylis will give a lecture at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg on March 1, 2020, titled "Composing for Children, Composing with Children." In his talk, he will present the ARD Beethoven Experiment, among other topics.
::archive 2019::
November 10, 2019 :: Premiere of "Adonai! Kyrie! Lord! Herr!" :: Leipzig Synagogue Choir
Commissioned by Reinhard Riedel, a new work was created for the Leipzig Synagogue Choir that focuses on Psalm 92—a hymn of praise to God. Titled "Adonai! Kyrie! Lord! Herr!" (invoking God in Hebrew, Greek, English, and German), the piece will premiere on November 10, 2019, at 6:00 PM in St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) during the memorial service for the November Pogrom. Admission is free; doors open at 5:15 PM.
Find more information on the Leipzig Synagogue Choir’s website (under "Events").
November 9, 2019 :: Musica Viva at the J.S. Bach Music School’s Kurt Masur Hall
The Musica Viva Chamber Orchestra invites you to a concert in the Kurt Masur Hall at the J.S. Bach Music School in Leipzig. The program features Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 99 in E-flat Major. Prof. Frank Peter will appear as the piano soloist, and Aristides Strongylis will conduct.
PNOE :: Commissioned by MDR Klassik :: May & June 2019
"PNOE", a short orchestral piece commissioned by MDR Klassik, is premiering as part of a school tour by the MDR Symphony Orchestra under the direction of University Music Director David Timm. Each school class is assigned a distinct orchestral part—comprising both composed and improvised elements. School classes from Burg, Eisenberg, Crimmitschau, Sonneberg, and Leipzig are participating in this musical experiment.
A video about the project is available on the MDR website.
Conducting the Musica Viva Chamber Orchestra
Aristides Strongylis has been conducting the Musica Viva Chamber Orchestra since December 2018. This 25-member amateur orchestra rehearses weekly at Leipzig’s Buddehaus (Thursdays, 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM). The first concert of 2019 took place on March 16, featuring works by Rossini, Grieg, Bizet, and Isaac Albéniz, among others. The orchestra’s 25th anniversary is coming up in October, which will be marked by a major concert featuring soloists. More details coming soon!
New members are always welcome: Visit the orchestra's website here.
May 23, 2019 :: KLANGRADAR :: Nationwide competition by "netzwerk junge ohren"
As part of the "Klangradar" project organized by "netzwerk junge ohren" (Young Ears Network), Aristides is leading a composition workshop that is taking place nationwide for the first time this year. Working with music teacher Klaudia Löffler, 26 fifth-grade students from the Montessori School Center in Leipzig will develop their own sound-based compositions with Aristides Strongylis and perform them in Berlin on May 23 alongside four other schools. Audiences can look forward to experimental sound design and exciting collaborative compositions!
May 12, 2019 :: Premiere of KlangWerkRaum :: Gewandhaus
This season, the Gewandhaus Leipzig is offering a completely new format for music education within the field of composition pedagogy. The weekly 90-minute workshop began in October 2018 and includes hands-on music-making, elementary composition exercises, and a public presentation of the results. On May 12, seven workshop participants—joined by three musicians from the Gewandhaus Orchestra—will present the three resulting pieces to the public following the "Great Concert" featuring Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5. The concert begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Great Hall, followed by the presentation at 12:30 p.m. in the foyer.
March 2019 :: Inventing Music :: forum thomanum Educational Campus
The composition workshop for music-loving children and young people aged 9 to 19 is taking place for the fifth time from March 15 to 17, 2019. Professional musicians and composers introduce children to the art of composition. During the workshops, the participants' own musical sketches are sung aloud, discussed, modified, and reinterpreted. Participants gain practical insights and learn how a composition is developed—in this instance, for soprano, baritone, bass clarinet, and piano. The work is based on texts provided by "Buchkinder Leipzig e.V.", a book and writing workshop for children and young people aged 4 to 18.
YouTube Channel
Aristides' YouTube channel features his works, concerts, and projects. You can even subscribe to the channel. Take a look!
Mentorship Program at the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig (HMT Leipzig)
Through the "m-Arts" program, HMT Leipzig offers students the opportunity to engage in personalized, practical career preparation. Key elements include a mentorship pairing and a workshop program specifically tailored to the students' needs. This year, Aristides is serving as a mentor to Elena Postumi—a pianist, composer, and répétiteur from Italy.
Music Through Graphics in Saxony-Anhalt
Introducing children to the world of composition through play: In workshops led by Susanne Zeh-Voß and Aristides at an elementary school in Haldensleben, students can first exploring—through listening and observing, and then through personal improvisation and creative work—how a graphic image can sound and how music can be notated graphically. The event was organized by the Musical Competence Center of Saxony-Anhalt; further details can be found in the project flyer (PDF).
::archive 2018::
Commissioned work for the Gewandhaus Leipzig :: Premiere on March 3, 2018
In 2018, the Gewandhaus Leipzig celebrates its 275th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Aristides Strongylis was invited to compose an orchestral work. Titled "Engel der Hoffnung" (angels of hope), the piece was premiered by the Gewandhaus Orchestra under the direction of Andris Nelsons on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in the Gewandhaus’s Great Hall.
Following the premiere, the Leipziger Volkszeitung (LVZ) wrote:
"[Strongylis] possesses a grand sense of musical breadth and has mastered the art of telling stories through sound. His tone poem, inspired by Rilke, is complex yet accessible, impassioned and sensual; it shimmers with exotic hues while remaining grounded in the Romantic tradition. It develops grand orchestral gestures from tangible musical material, is rhythmically compelling, and features distinctive orchestration. [...] Strongylis’s sounds require no movie screen; they instantly set images in motion within the listener's mind.
[Andris] Nelsons [...] draws magnificent sounds, glorious melodies, liturgical incantations, gentle heterophonies, and sultry dances from the anniversary orchestra—all from a score that cares nothing for musical schools or dogmas, but instead aims unabashedly for the listener's heart and gut—and not just the child's. Yet there is plenty here to engage the intellect as well."
Full review by Peter Korfmacher (PDF file)
October 30 :: Guest lecture at the University of Leipzig
On October 30, Aristides Strongylis will present his own compositions at the Faculty of Musicology. The event for students begins at 3:00 PM at the Städtisches Kaufhaus, Room 302.
Agency Representation Starting in April & Artist of the Month :: Konzertbüro Andreas Braun
As of April 2018, the Konzertbüro Andreas Braun in Cologne serves as the official agency for Aristides Strongylis’s artistic and compositional work; the agency has also recently named him "Artist of the Month."
Teaching Appointment at the Leipzig University of Music and Theatre
Starting in the 2018 summer semester, Aristides will teach at the HMT Leipzig "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" (Institute of Music Education – Faculty III), offering courses in "Elementary Music Theory," "Composition for Primary School," and "Composition Pedagogy."
May 3rd on MDR :: Handel Workshop with the MDR Symphony Orchestra
In early 2018, students from Leipzig’s Telemannstraße Gymnasium and Neue Nikolaischule came together for a composition experiment. Inspired by the theme of "Water," the MDR Handel Experiment resulted in the creation of the pieces "Sprudelwasser" (6th grade, Telemann-Gymnasium) and "Energy Water" (7th grade, Neue Nikolaischule); these were premiered on February 7 and 8, 2018, in the Orchestra Hall at Augustusplatz, alongside the MDR Symphony Orchestra. On May 3, 2018, at 11:15 AM, MDR Television will broadcast two short films about the workshops with Aristides.
Register by June 30 :: KlangWerkRaum – Gewandhaus
The Gewandhaus Leipzig is launching a completely new music education format in the field of composition pedagogy for the upcoming season. KlangWerkRaum invites all music enthusiasts aged 18 to 99 to try their hand at composing! This weekly group workshop (90 minutes) begins in October 2018 and includes hands-on music-making, the fundamentals of composition, and a public presentation of the results at the Gewandhaus. Please register by June 30, 2018, with Marina Dietze (Tel. 0341/1270363 or impuls@gewandhaus.de). Further information is available in the project flyer.
Mentorship Program at the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig (HMT Leipzig)
Through the "m_arts" program, HMT Leipzig offers students the opportunity to take advantage of tailored, practical career-preparation measures. Key components include a mentorship pairing and a workshop program specifically designed to meet students' needs. This year, Aristides is serving as a mentor to Francesco Pulga, a pianist and piano educator from Italy.
June 16 & September 15 :: How to Make Wood Happy – Workshop & Concert
In this Gewandhaus project, young people from the Grünau district are working with Aristides to compose their own piece of music. Two groups—one from the Montessori School and one from the Grünau Children and Youth Center—are each developing a composition using Orff instruments and instruments of their own making; the composer then transforms these ideas into a score for four performing Gewandhaus musicians. These two pieces will conclude the event "How to Make Wood Happy" and represent the Modern era in a musical journey through history. The concert will take place on June 16, 2018, in the Montessori School Center auditorium and will be repeated on September 15 in the Gewandhaus’s Mendelssohn Hall.
::archive 2017::
September 22–24, 2017 :: Composition Competition – 12th "Classical Music for Children" Festival
For this year’s 12th "Classical Music for Children" Festival, young composers were once again invited to submit original musical pieces for the competition. The task this year was to set texts from the German Romantic era to music—or to draw inspiration from them—creating songs or instrumental pieces for baritone, violin, cello, or piano. Following a public rehearsal on Saturday, September 23, the winning pieces premiered during a concert featuring the story "The Mysterious Suitcase" ("Der geheimnisvolle Koffer") by and with Detlef Gohlke, the forum thomanum primary school children's choir, and the "Cirque de l'Église" children's circus troupe. We extend our warmest congratulations to the winners:
Anouk Falke (10 years old) – Prize for evocative musical setting within a cohesive form
Yasin Yousif (15 years old) – Prize for best adaptation of a German Romantic text
Marlene Hellmich (10 years old) – Prize for nuanced, colorful text illustration
Carl-Gustav Fritz (12 years old) – Prize for distinctive aesthetic style
Alexander Grams (14 years old) – Prize for rhythmic boldness and imagination
Raphael Amadeus Schober (10 years old) – Prize for expressive, characterful lyricism (cantabile style)
WANTED: Participants for Composition Workshop in March 2017
Young composers wanted! Create your own music at the forum thomanum educational campus. This composition workshop is aimed at music-loving children and young people aged 9 to 19 and will take place in Leipzig for the fourth time from March 17 to 19, 2017. Professional musicians and composers will introduce the children to the art of composing.
In various workshops, participants will present their initial musical sketches, which will then be discussed, modified, and reinterpreted. Participants will receive inspiration, gain insight into the craft of music-making, and learn how a composition is developed. The project involves creating a composition for piano, violin, cello, and baritone, based on texts from the German Romantic era that are suitable for children.
A short documentary film offers a good overview of the project.
Interested children and their parents are asked to submit the registration form to forum thomanum Leipzig e.V. by March 3, 2017. Participation is free of charge, though the number of participants is limited to 12.
December 17, 2016 :: Concert with Ulrich von Wrochem (viola) in Athens
On December 17, 2016, violist Ulrich von Wrochem will perform a solo concert at the Evangelical Church in Athens. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m.; the program includes, among other works, Aristides Strongylis's composition *Zwischen Tier und Gott* (Between Animal and God) for viola.
::archive 2016::
September 23–25, 2016: Composition Competition – 11th "Classical Music for Children" Festival
For this year’s 11th "Classical Music for Children" Festival, young composers were once again invited to submit original musical pieces for the competition. The task this year was to compose a piece lasting three to eight minutes for voice and either clarinet or piano. On Saturday, September 24, following a public rehearsal, the submitted works were performed in a concert featuring musical puppetry. We offer our warmest congratulations to all the winners!
August 1–15, 2016: IFF Summer Academy
At the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, music-loving children and teenagers can begin their musical studies—specifically at the Institute for the Early Advancement of the Musically Gifted (IFF)—even before finishing school. The highlight of their academic year is the Summer Academy; Aristides Strongylis will once again participate as a composition instructor in 2016. The young students, aged 14 to 19, will work on compositions at Landestrost Castle in Neustadt am Rübenberge and explore improvisation, singing, bodywork, and Qigong.
WANTED: Participants for Composition Workshop in March 2016
Young composers wanted! Create your own music at the forum thomanum educational campus. This composition workshop is aimed at music-loving children and teenagers aged 8 to 18 and will take place in Leipzig for the third time from March 11 to 13, 2016. Professional musicians and composers will introduce the children to the art of composition. A short documentary film offers a wonderful glimpse into the project.
The resulting compositions will be presented to the audience on March 18. Interested children and their parents can contact forum thomanum Leipzig e.V.
January 20, 2016 :: Premiere of 125 Party Pieces
At the initiative of the Forum Zeitgenössischer Musik Leipzig (FZML), 125 of the most significant contemporary composers—including Aristides Strongylis—have jointly composed a collective work titled "Party Pieces Project". On January 20, 2016, the world's largest collaborative composition will have its European premiere in Leipzig.
Tickets are available from the FZML.
::archive 2015::
September 25–27, 2015: Composition Competition at "Klassik für Kinder"
Once again, as part of the 10th "Klassik für Kinder" (Classical Music for Children) festival, young composers were invited to submit original musical pieces for the competition. This year, the task was to compose a piece lasting three to eight minutes for a chamber choir. A composition workshop led by Aristides Strongylis—who also served as jury chair—took place on Saturday, September 26. We offer our warmest congratulations to all five prize-winners, aged ten to seventeen!
April 24–26, 2015: Inventing Music 2015
Children and young people aged 10 to 19 have the opportunity to invent, improvise, and experiment with music together in a playful setting during a multi-day composition workshop organized by forum thomanum. Held in Leipzig for the second time under the guidance of experienced composers and improvisation instructors, the workshop is free of charge for participants thanks to our sponsors. The event concludes with a public workshop concert on April 26, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. at the villa thomana.
::archive 2014::
"Everyone is an Artist" – The "Grenzenlos" Project (2013/14)
"Grenzenlos" ("Boundless") is an international creative and cultural project bringing together a wide range of art forms and artists, as well as the partner cities of Leipzig and Travnik (Bosnia). Launched in 2013, the project fosters talent among people of all generations in Leipzig and Bosnia, regardless of physical or intellectual disabilities. As part of this initiative, sustainable cultural education workshops are being established in Travnik, Bosnia—a city celebrating the tenth anniversary of its partnership with Leipzig. Phase two begins in 2014 with the aim of developing and performing an inclusive, intercultural stage production (working title: "Grenzenlos"), which will be presented in Leipzig, Travnik, and Sarajevo.
Participants explore various disciplines—including composition, dance, speech and voice, applied arts (sculpture, costume, and set design), and visual arts (drawing, writing, and printmaking)—fully embracing the motto "Everyone is an artist." After the first year, each participant selects a specific discipline to focus on in greater depth for the stage production. The results of this work will be showcased on stage in 2014.
Cooperation partners:
Leipzig Ballet
Gewandhaus zu Leipzig
Albert Schweitzer Special Needs School (for students with physical disabilities), Leipzig
Petri School, Leipzig
Independent artists (Composition: Aristides Strongylis)
February 24–28, 2014: "Grenzenlos" in England
England has now also joined the "Grenzenlos" project. From February 24 to 28, 2014, Rémy Fichet (Leipzig Ballet), Ulrike Bernard (Director of Haus Steinstraße e.V. in Leipzig), and Aristides Strongylis visited the Isle of Sheppey in southeast England. They were hosted by the Oasis Academy, a school with a student body of over 2,000. The project supported a composition workshop for ten students and a dance workshop for eight students. At the conclusion of the workshops, two pieces premiered in the Oasis Academy theater: a choreography devised and performed by the girls in the course (led by Rémy Fichet) and a composition for nine musicians created by the students themselves (led by Aristides). Everyone involved can be very proud of this wonderful work!
April 11–13, 2014: Composition Workshop at "forum thomanum"
Guided by Christoph Göberl, Christian FP Kram, Manuel Schubrow, and Aristides Strongylis, children and young people aged 8 to 16 spent several days collaboratively and playfully inventing music, singing, and arranging for instruments. They finally performed their work on Sunday, April 13, at villa thomana. This workshop—the first of its kind in Leipzig—also served as preparation for some participants entering the composition competition for children and young people, now in its ninth year as part of the Leipzig music festival "Klassik für Kinder" (Classical Music for Children).
June 20 and 23, 2014: Conclusion of the "Grenzenlos" Project
In June, the "Grenzenlos" (Boundless) project reaches its grand finale: the intercultural stage production, developed jointly by young people and artists from Leipzig and Bosnia, will be performed at the Leipzig Opera on June 20 and 23 (with further performances in Sarajevo on September 29 and October 4). Admission is free for those under 18; adults pay €3.
Find out more on the opera's website.
September 26–28, 2014 :: 9th "Classical Music for Children" Festival
As part of the Leipzig "Classical Music for Children" festival, a composition competition for children is being held again in 2014. We invite all children and young people up to the age of 18—who have previously tried their hand at composing music and would like to submit a 3- to 8-minute piece for piano and percussion—to participate. The best pieces will be premiered during the festival, featuring a puppet theater and a primary school choir this year.
The young composers look forward to seeing you there!
::archive 2013::
February 3–8, 2013 :: 7th Theater Research Lab for Children
Titled "On the Trail of Growth" ("Dem Wachstum auf der Spur"), the Theater der Jungen Welt is hosting its seventh theater laboratory for children aged ten to twelve—this time in cooperation with the Leipzig University Botanical Garden. How is a piece of music created? How does a story unfold? What nutrients does a dramatic scene need? And how exactly do plants manage to grow? Participants will explore these and many other questions alongside Pierre Niemann (actor and director), Aristides Strongylis (composer), Hamburg-based playwright Carsten Brandau, and a gardener from the Botanical Garden. In addition, there will be a theater rally through the TdJW and, for the opening, a visit to the production "Die zertanzten Schuhe" (The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes).
More information at the Theater der Jungen Welt.
February 8–10, 2013 :: Winter Academy of the Early Music Study Program
At the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTM), music-loving children and young people can begin music studies before finishing school—specifically at the Institute for the Early Advancement of Musically Gifted Children (IFF). Following the IFF Summer Academy at Landestrost Castle, the VIFF Winter Academy 2013 is now taking place at the Lower Saxony State Music Academy in Wolfenbüttel. VIFF serves as a preparatory stage for the early study program, open to children aged nine to thirteen. At the Winter Academy, they can try their hand at composition, improvisation, voice/singing, rhythm/dance, and chamber music in small seminar groups.
June 13–14, 2013 :: Sixth "Kinder zum Olymp!" Congress in Hanover
Kinder zum Olymp! - the educational initiative of the Cultural Foundation of the Federal States (Kulturstiftung der Länder) - is holding its sixth congress in Hanover, this time under the motto "Perfect? On the Quality of Cultural Education for Children and Young People." Aristides Strongylis will also be participating in the panel discussion for the forum "Either/Or? Artists as Cultural Mediators" (Forum 7, June 13, 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM). The congress offers a platform for the exchange of ideas and methodologies, as well as practical inspiration. It is aimed at representatives from kindergartens and schools, state and municipal authorities, artists, cultural organizations, cultural education institutions, and arts colleges. Around 500 participants are expected.
Find out more about the congress on the "Kinder zum Olymp!" initiative's website.
July 5, 2013 :: "Paths to Wagner" (Wege zu Wagner) Project Performance
In 2011, the City of Leipzig launched the "Culture and School" network—a long-term initiative—in collaboration with six local cultural institutions and secondary schools. A new addition to the network is the Nachbarschaftsschule Leipzig; as part of the "Paths to Wagner" project, the school is teaming up with the Leipzig Opera to explore the work of Richard Wagner, who was born in Leipzig 200 years ago. Theater educator Dr. Heidi Zippel and composition educator Aristides Strongylis will be guiding this unique collaboration.
The resulting work will be performed on July 5, 2013, at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus).
August 21 – September 22, 2013 :: "Party Pieces" – Exhibition in Leipzig
As part of the Cage100 festival, a unique composition was created under the title "Party Pieces Project" by over 125 composers from Germany and the USA—including Aristides Strongylis. Each composer wrote five bars, knowing only the final bar of the preceding section and the instrumentation. The scores for this collaboratively created piece remain on display at the Leipzig Museum of Contemporary Art (GfZK) until September 22 before traveling on to New York. Find out more on the GfZK website.
September 28, 2013 :: Studio concert featuring compositions by children and young people
As part of the Leipzig "Classical Music for Children" festival, a composition competition for children is taking place again this year, with the best pieces receiving their world premieres during the festival. In addition to the premieres preceding the main concerts, this year sees the return of a studio concert where all submitted pieces will be performed—in the presence of the young composers, who will also be available for discussion. The concert is a collaboration with the MDR's CLARA program; the works will be performed by the MDR Leipzig Brass Ensemble.
The young composers look forward to seeing you there!
October 2, 2013 :: Exhibition opening and performance
To mark the opening of the Leipzig exhibition featuring works by Swiss artist Beat Toniolo, Aristides Strongylis and cellist Rebekka Riedel will present a musical performance on Wednesday, October 2. Refreshments will also be provided.
Starting at 6:00 PM at the "Kopfzentrum," Fichtestraße 9, in Leipzig's Südvorstadt district.
October 11–13, 2013 :: Thomana Composes
The Thomaner choir invites all interested children to a weekend workshop on creating music! Aristides Strongylis and four other instructors will demonstrate—through improvisation, workshops, and concerts—how musical ideas can be realized and shaped. Participation is free; registration is requested.
Villa Thomana, Bachstr. 3, Leipzig.
October 17, 2013 :: Party Pieces – World Premiere in New York
The exciting production "Party Pieces Project"—based on an original concept by John Cage—will premiere on October 17, 2013, at the Miller Theatre in New York. Conductor: Richard Carrick; Ensemble: Either/Or. Find out more on the Miller Theatre website.
November 16, 2013 :: World Premiere of "Playback Play"
On November 16, the world premiere of Aristides Strongylis’s piece "Playback Play" for organ and viola will take place at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Leipzig. Christiane Bräutigam will perform on the organ, and Matthias Sannemüller will play the viola. The audience will also hear Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms. The concert begins at 7:00 PM.
The History of Modern Greek Music
Last year, the magazine "NeaFoni" published an article by Aristides Strongylis on the history of Greek musical modernism.
::archive 2012::
June 8/9, 2012 :: Leipzig Opera I: On Heroes and Gods
In 2010, the innovative music project "Monsieur Matthieu, was wird?" ("Monsieur Matthieu, What Now?") was honored with the "junge ohren preis" ("young ears prize"). Now, Leipzig Opera has collaborated with Aristides Strongylis to tailor a new educational project titled "On Heroes and Gods" ("Über Helden und Götter") for students from the Filatow School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The resulting compositions and work can be experienced in June during pre-performance talks focusing on ancient Greek themes at the Leipzig Opera:
Friday, June 8, 2012, 7:30 PM – Christoph Willibald Gluck: Alceste
Saturday, June 9, 2012, 7:00 PM – Christoph Willibald Gluck: Iphigenia in Aulis
June 22, 2012 :: Leipzig Opera II: "Über-Macht" ("Over-Power")
In June 2011, the City of Leipzig launched the sustainable "Culture and School" network in partnership with six local cultural institutions and secondary schools. As part of this initiative, the Leipzig Opera and the Leipzig Sports Middle School are collaborating with Aristides Strongylis. The initial results of this work will be presented under the title "Über-Macht" in the Leipzig Opera’s cellar theater. The premiere takes place on Friday, June 22, at 5:00 PM.
July 6, 2012 :: Launch of the Cage100 Festival
The art and music project CAGE100 launches on July 6, 2012. To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of American artist and composer John Cage, the Forum for Contemporary Music Leipzig (FZML) has initiated a unique global project comprising 100 events, held under the patronage of Pierre Boulez. As part of the festival, a unique composition titled Party Pieces Project is being created by one hundred composers from Germany and the USA—including Aristides Strongylis. Each composer writes five bars; the only known elements are the predecessor's final bar and the piece's instrumentation. This exciting production, based on an idea by John Cage himself, will have its simultaneous world premiere in Leipzig and New York in the summer of 2013.
Festival program at the FZML & short film about the project
August 27–30, 2012 :: Summer Academy for the Early Music Study Program
At the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, music-loving children and teenagers can begin their music studies before finishing school—specifically at the Institute for the Early Advancement of Musically Gifted Children (IFF). The highlight of their academic year is the Summer Academy; this year, Aristides Strongylis will participate as a composition instructor. Twenty-six young students aged 14 to 19 will work on compositions at Landestrost Castle in Neustadt am Rübenberge and explore improvisation, singing, bodywork, and Qigong!
September 28–30, 2012 :: The 7th "Classical Music for Children" Festival
In conjunction with Leipzig’s "Classical Music for Children" festival, a composition competition for children was held again this year, and the finest pieces will receive their world premieres during the festival. In addition to the premieres preceding the main concerts, this year features a studio concert where all submitted pieces will be performed and the young composers will be present to discuss their work. The program is available on the festival website. The event takes place at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Leipzig (Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche zu Leipzig), Tröndlinring 7. All the young composers look forward to seeing you there! Here are the winners:
1st prize: Maximilian Otto (14 years old)
2nd prize: Svenja Reis (12 years old)
3rd prize: Florian Schieder (10) and Paula Schwetzler (15 years old)
::archive 2011::
January 7, 2011 :: "playback play" featured in MDR-Figaro’s “Night of New Music”
The radio station MDR-Figaro is broadcasting Aristides Strongylis’s piece "playback play" for viola and organ (featuring Mathias Sannemüller on viola and David Timm on organ) during its “Night of New Music” program on the night of January 6–7, 2011. The piece is scheduled to air on January 7 at approximately 3:45 a.m.
March 18, 2011 :: MDR music project BABEL
In the MDR school music project BABEL, students discover the cultures and music of foreign countries through playful activities and draw inspiration from them to develop their own ideas. Around 100 students from Central Germany are presenting their creative journey around the world—featuring dance, music, and performance—at the Leipzig Book Fair. The performance by four participating classes will take place on March 18 at 11:00 a.m. in Hall 1 of the Leipzig Congress Center. Aristides Strongylis is participating in the project alongside the 6th-grade class from the Montessori School Leipzig, among others.
Update: Award for BABEL! In a competition organized by the German Music Council (Deutscher Musikrat), BABEL was awarded first prize in the “Klangfarben” (Tone Colors) category in October 2011!
April 9, 2011 :: A fresh take on "The Fight with the Tiger"
The Chinese folktale "The Fight with the Tiger"—which inspired Aristides Strongylis to compose a piece of the same name—is being reinterpreted by Leipzig students in an engaging music project conducted in collaboration with Haus Steinstraße e.V. Sixth-grade students from the Reclam-Gymnasium and the youth theater group “Fallobst” are presenting their own musical, dramatic, and dance-based adaptation of the tale in a concert at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, juxtaposing it with the composer’s original work. The "Tiger Project" blog offers ongoing insights into the project's work. The concert on April 9, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the Gewandhaus promises exciting musical encounters.
The premiere takes place on May 27, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. at Theatrale Halle (Waisenhausring 2); further performances follow there on May 28 at 8:00 p.m. and May 29 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be ordered by calling 0345/21379551 (answering machine; no return calls).
June 26, 2011 :: HEPTA at Villa Jühling
Performance at Villa Jühling, Halle (Saale), at 1:00 p.m.
July 2, 2011 :: HEPTA at Peißnitzhaus Halle
Performance at Peißnitzhaus, Halle (Saale), at 8:30 p.m.
September 9, 2011 :: "The Fight with the Tiger" – Two Performances at Theater "Schille"
The award-winning Gewandhaus project "The Fight with the Tiger" ("Der Kampf mit dem Tiger") will be presented twice on September 9 at the "Schille" theater in Leipzig: at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Participants include the young musicians from Reclam-Gymnasium and the "Fallobst" theater group from Haus Steinstraße e.V. Tickets are available before the event at Theater "Schille," Otto-Schill-Straße 7 (rear building).
September 12, 2011 :: Award for "The Fight with the Tiger"!
The Gewandhaus project "The Fight with the Tiger" has won this year's "Kinder zum Olymp" competition—organized by the Cultural Foundation of the Federal States—in the music category! This marks the second project involving Aristides Strongylis to receive this award from the Cultural Foundation of the Federal States—following "Die Werkstatt der Schmetterlinge" (The Butterfly Workshop) in 2009. On September 12, 2011, the project team will accept the 2011 "Kinder zum Olymp" (Children to Olympus) award in the music category at the Konzerthaus Berlin.
September 24, 2011 :: HEPTA at Stellwerk Weimar
September 24, 2011, at 8:00 PM at Stellwerk Weimar. More details available on the Stellwerk Weimar website.
September 2011 :: Caution: Freshly Painted! – Children Compose String Quartets
Anyone encountering string quartets composed by children at the 6th "Klassik für Kinder" (Classical Music for Children) festival in Leipzig should be careful... they are "freshly painted" (a play on the German word "gestrichen", meaning both "painted" and "played with a bow"! Children aged 10 to 14 are shaping the musical backdrop of this festival with fresh colors... or rather... fresh musical pieces. Before each festival concert, attendees have the opportunity to hear these children's works for the very first time. They will ring out from the organ loft of the Evangelical Reformed Church—freshly painted!
September 23–25, 2011 :: Children's Composition Competition at the "Klassik für Kinder" Festival
As part of Leipzig's "Klassik für Kinder" festival, a composition competition for children is taking place again this year. Participation is open to any music-loving child up to the age of 15, submitting either an original piece for chamber orchestra or their own instrumentation for one of two selected works. A jury—comprising Aristides Strongylis, David Timm (Leipzig University Music Director), and Christiane Bräutigam (church musician and festival initiator)—will select the three best pieces from the submissions to be performed during the festival.
October 8–9, 2011 :: HEPTA at Schloss Kannawurf
Two additional performances of the dance and music project "HEPTA – Acoustic Movement Concert" (featuring the dance theater company ellaH) will take place on October 8 (at 7:30 PM) and October 9, 2011 (at 3:00 PM) at the Künstlerhaus Thüringen (Schloss Kannawurf), located south of Bad Frankenhausen in the Sömmerda district. Further details about the event can be found on the Schloss Kannawurf website.
November 3, 2011 :: HEPTA at the Impuls Festival Halle
On November 3, 2011, the dance and music project "HEPTA – Acoustic Movement Concert" (featuring the dance theater company ellaH) will be presented as part of the Impuls Festival Halle. The performance will take place at Theater Magdeburg, starting at 7:30 PM.
November 17, 2011 :: Second String Quartet on BR-Klassik
Save the date: A rebroadcast of Aristides Strongylis's second string quartet, "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon", on the BR-Klassik program "Horizonte"—airing on November 17 starting at 10:05 PM.
::archive 2010::
February–March 2010 :: Second String Quartet in "ensemble"
In the 1/2010 issue of the music magazine "ensemble", Manuel Rösler reports on Aristides Strongylis’s second string quartet, "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon", in the "Das Neue Werk" (The New Work) column (pp. 68–69): "We are reminded of Nietzsche, who contrasted the Apollonian and Dionysian elements to characterize different aspects of art. Thus, this music seems to explore the question of what the Apollonian in art might be." The article—which includes numerous musical examples alongside a detailed review—concludes that the work is "... a spirited play of colors and sounds."
February 20, 2010 :: Premiere of "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon"
On February 20, the Apollon Musagète Quartet performs the premiere of Aristides Strongylis’s second string quartet, "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon", in Amstetten, Austria. The concert at the Johann-Pölz-Halle begins at 7:30 PM; an introductory talk with the composer takes place beforehand, from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
February 23, 2010 :: Second String Quartet in the Studio
Following the concert hall premiere, a studio recording of "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon" is scheduled for February 23 at Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavarian Broadcasting), again performed by the Apollon Musagète Quartet. The recording will be broadcast on the BR-Klassik radio station in September 2010.
April 30, 2010 :: Musinnale 3.0 at Leipzig’s Westwerk
An expectant audience is cordially invited to the opening of the art-and-music project Musinnale 3.0 on April 30, 2010, starting at 7:00 PM in the "Mensa" (cafeteria) of Leipzig’s Westwerk. Musinnale 3.0 will also be open to latecomers on May 1 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
May 28, 2010 :: First Concert by the Children's Composition Classes
The children's composition classes, led by Aristides Strongylis, invite you to a performance of their works! The concert will take place on Friday, May 28, 2010, at 5:00 PM in the Schumann Hall of the Schumann House in Leipzig (Inselstraße 18). Admission is free.
June 20, 2010 :: Monsieur Mathieu – Opera Project with Children
On June 20 at 11:00 AM, as part of the Children's and Youth Day at the Leipzig Opera, a performance of the educational project "Monsieur Mathieu, was wird?" (Monsieur Mathieu, What Happens Next?) will take place. This is a staged musical response to the film "The Chorus" (original French title: "Les Choristes" / German title: "Die Kinder des Monsieur Mathieu"). Featuring the Opera's children's choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the project involved children facing social and physical disadvantages in developing a piece that brings their personal response to the film to the stage through drama and music. Music from the film's soundtrack will be performed.
July 13, 2010 :: Second String Quartet – Advance Broadcast on BR-Klassik
On July 13, Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavarian Broadcasting) will air a preview broadcast of the recording of Aristides Strongylis's Second String Quartet, "Troisième Hymne Delphique à Apollon", as part of its evening chamber music program. The recording featuring the Apollon Musagète Quartet is scheduled for broadcast on BR-Klassik on July 13, 2010, after 10:05 PM.
September 23, 2010 :: "Steps around the Temple of Apollo at Delphi" – a musical exploration by Aristides Strongylis on BR-Klassik
In this broadcast on September 23, 2010, the composer presented the story behind the creation of his second string quartet. Hatto Beyerle, head of the ECMA, "christened" the Apollon Musagète Quartet—a Polish ensemble that had won an award at the 2008 ARD Competition—and commissioned the Greek composer to write a work about Apollo, the god of the arts. The program incorporates on-site research, the Homeric Hymn to Apollo, ancient Greek music, an interview with Hatto Beyerle, and, not least, the composer's own personal connection to the god. Broadcast: September 23, 2010, 9:03 PM – 10:00 PM, BR-Klassik.
September 24–26, 2010 :: Children's Composition Competition at the "Classical Music for Children" Festival
As part of the Leipzig "Classical Music for Children" festival ("Klassik für Kinder"), a composition competition for children is taking place again this year. Participation is open to any music-loving child up to the age of 15, either with an original piece for chamber orchestra or with their own arrangement of one of three selected works. A jury—comprising Aristides Strongylis, Howard Arman (director of the MDR Choir), and church musician Christiane Bräutigam—will select the three best pieces from the submissions; these will then be performed during the festival.
November 6, 2010 :: "Zwischen Tier und Gott" in Chur (Switzerland)
On November 6, 2010, violist Kathrin von Cube will perform Aristides Strongylis’s piece "Zwischen Tier und Gott ("Between Animal and God") for solo viola as part of the Chamber Philharmonic Graubünden’ chamber music concert series. The concert at the Chur Art Museum (Switzerland) begins at 8:00 p.m.
November 18, 2010 :: "Junge Ohren" Prize 2010 for *Monsieur Mathieu*
The children's educational project "Monsieur Mathieu, was wird?" has been honored with an award by the "netzwerk junge ohren" (young ears network)! Based at the Leipzig Opera House and led compositionally by Aristides Strongylis, the project received second prize in the "Best Practice" category (no first prize was awarded).
December 8, 2010 :: History of Greek Music in Leipzig
On December 8, 2010, Aristides Strongylis will give a lecture on the "History of Modern Classical Greek Music—from Antiquity to the Present Day," in which he will also discuss his own work. The Association for the Promotion of the Leipzig-Thessaloniki City Partnership cordially invites you to the event at the Leipzig Europahaus at 7:00 p.m.!
::archive 2009::
January 22, 2009 :: "The Oracle" at the Gasteig, Munich
"New Greek Music in Munich": On January 22, 2009, the ensemble oktopus will perform Aristides Strongylis's piece "Das Orakel" (The Oracle) for harp and clarinet in the "Black Box" at Munich's Gasteig cultural center. Alongside works by Anastasios Mitropoulos, Georgia Spiropoulos, and Minas Borboudakis, the concert will also feature the premieres of two pieces by Dimitri Terzakis. Konstantia Gourzi will conduct the evening's performance.
March 3, 2009 :: *The Glassy Apple* in Leipzig
Under the title "Greek!", the MDR Symphony Orchestra will perform works including Aristides Strongylis's piece "Der gläserne Apfel" (the glassy apple)—in the version for string orchestra and CD (2008)—on March 3, 2009. Other composers featured in this evening of contemporary Greek music include Dmitri Terzakis, Minas Borboudakis, Athanasia Tzanou, and Konstantia Gourzi. The concert, held at the MDR studio on Leipzig's Augustusplatz, will be conducted by Florian Ludwig. MDR Figaro will broadcast a recording of the concert on March 19, 2009.
May 2009 :: "The Butterfly Workshop" wins nationwide competition!
The music-theater project "Die Werkstatt der Schmetterlinge" ("The Butterfly Workshop") by the Clara Schumann School in Leipzig has won first prize in the Music Theater category (grades 1–4) at the "Kinder zum Olymp!" (Children to Olympus!) competition! Organized by the Cultural Foundation of the Federal States, this competition aims to foster artistic potential and creativity within schools. Sixty children from the Schumann School collaborated to stage a music-theater production based on a book by Gioconda Belli. The children composed the accompanying music themselves, under the artistic direction of Aristides Strongylis.
December 12, 2009 :: Greek Christmas on MDR
In the MDR television Christmas program, Aristides Strongylis speaks with presenter Katrin Weber about Christmas in Greece—among other topics—and presents his arrangement of a Greek Christmas carol. It is performed by the Enchore Leipzig ensemble under the direction of Andreas Mitschke.
::archive 2008::
12 February 2008 :: "Zwischen Tier und Gott" in Saarbrücken
As part of the "Forum Neue Musik" series, "Zwischen Tier und Gott" will be performed at the Stadtgalerie Saarbrücken on 12 February 2008. Tatjana Masurenko (viola) is the evening's soloist, and Wolfgang Korb will host the event. SR 2 KulturRadio will broadcast the concert live.
16 March 2008 :: "about energy" in Athens
Aristides Strongylis's piece "about energy" (for ensemble) will be performed on 16 March 2008 at the Benaki Museum in Athens by members of the Orchestra of Colours, conducted by Miltos Logiadis.
17 April 2008 :: "about energy" in Munich
On 17 April 2008 at 8:00 PM, the Munich-based ensemble oktopus will perform "about energy" (for ensemble) as part of a program titled "Young Conductors – Contemporary Composers." Conductors: Michail Papapetrou, Johannes X. Schachtner, Hildegard Schön; artistic direction: Prof. Konstantia Gourzi.
27 April 2008 :: "Music Moves Children" Congress
In a presentation at the "Music Moves Children" congress organized by the Baden-Württemberg State Academy in Ochsenhausen, Aristides Strongylis will introduce the subject of "Composition for Children" and explain its structure.
23 May 2008 :: Konzerthaus Berlin :: "Die Zeit des Narziss"
At the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Leipzig-based Iturriaga Quartet will perform the string quartet "Die Zeit des Narziss" as part of the "Studio Neue Musik" series. In addition to Strongylis's string quartet, the program features works by Manfred Trojahn, Peter Weirauch, Karl Heinz Wahren, and Gabriel Iranyi. June 15, 2008 :: "Die Zeit des Narziss" in France
The string quartet "Die Zeit des Narziss" will be performed in France for the first time in June during a concert by the Iturriaga Quartet at the Church of Notre-Dame de L'île in Luzech (Lot department, Midi-Pyrénées).
July 14–17, 2008 :: CD recording of "playback play"
Aristides Strongylis's piece "playback play" for viola and organ will be recorded on CD from July 14 to 17, 2008, using the Ladegast organ at the church in Polditz. The performers will be David Timm, Leipzig University's Director of Music, on the organ, and Matthias Sannemüller, principal violist of the MDR Symphony Orchestra. The recording is a production of MDR-Figaro, which also commissioned the work.
August 26, 2008 :: "Die Zeit des Narziss" in France again
The string quartet "Die Zeit des Narziss" will be performed in France again in August—this time at the "Autour du Quatuor" festival in Olargues—once more by the Iturriaga Quartet.
December 28, 2008 :: "Der Kampf mit dem Tiger" in Athens
On December 28, 2008, Aristides Strongylis's "Der Kampf mit dem Tiger" ("The fight with the tiger")—a Chinese fairy tale for ensemble—will be performed in Athens by members of the Orchestra of Colours. The concert at the Benaki Museum will be conducted by Miltos Logiadis.
::archive 2007::
July 2007 :: "Die Zeit des Narziss" in Granada and Cádiz
On July 1, 2007, the Iturriaga Quartet will perform Aristides Strongylis's string quartet "Die Zeit des Narziss"—a work dedicated to the quartet—at the International Festival in Granada, followed by a performance in Cádiz on July 3. This marks the work's Spanish premiere.
July 21, 2007 :: Atelier Neuer Musik – Deutschlandfunk
On Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 10:05 PM, Deutschlandfunk will broadcast a program titled "Sich überraschen lassen. Der Komponist Aristides Strongylis" (Allowing Oneself to Be Surprised: The Composer Aristides Strongylis) as part of the "Atelier Neuer Musik" series, presented by Meret Forster.
December 20, 2007 :: "Die Zeit des Narziss" in Oviedo
Following its great success with audiences in Granada and Cádiz, the string quartet "Die Zeit des Narziss" will be performed in Spain once again—this time in Oviedo on December 20, 2007—by the Iturriaga Quartet.