The Belgrade Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz are staging a grand Balkans premiere of Glière’s symphony “Ilya Muromets,” at Kolarac Concert Hall, at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 2 March. The public will have a unique opportunity to hear this monumental work of music portraying the life of this popular Russian hero.

Originally a mythical legend, Ilya Muromets has become the hero of many films, paintings, monuments, caricatures, and anecdotes. The story of his heroism inspired Russian composer Reinhold Glière to write a symphony depicting the most memorable moments of Ilja’s life.

“Growing up in East Berlin, I often encountered the character of Ilja Muromets, who due to Soviet propaganda had become trivialized. But this only prompted me to get to know more about Glière’s symphony, which completely fascinated me. This work is very rarely included in musical repertoires because of its extreme complexity and because it usually requires more than the standard number of orchestra rehearsals. The Belgrade Philharmonic got it right at its very first rehearsal and I was certain that this was the best choice to acquaint the public with music with which we really have a lot to say,” said Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz.

This is the first time that this illustrative Russian legend will be presented in the Balkans by the Belgrade Philharmonic, led by its chief conductor, who is also conducting it for the first time. One hundred standing tickets will be on sale one hour before the beginning of the concert, from 7:00 p.m. at the Kolarac Hall box office.