The Belgrade Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz are preparing a unique musical spectacle at Kolarac Hall on Friday, February 25. The orchestra will perform Mozart’s magnificent Great Mass in C minor, featuring vocal soloists from all over the world and the Czech Philharmonic Choir from Brno, as well as the works of Sofia Gubaidulina and Anton Webern, all performed by the BGF for the very first time.

Devotees of vocal-instrumental music have waited a long time to see this concert included in the Belgrade Philharmonic’s concert season. The central place belongs to this cult-status work by Mozart, not only because of its grandeur but also because of the mystery that surrounds it. At the time it was composed, Mozart was at the peak of his creative powers, moving to Vienna where he had gained great freedom, created upbeat and cheerful works, freed himself from the constraints of writing for church needs, and then met Constanze and became engaged to her without his father’s consent. Just then, he begins his dark and magnificent Mass, for reasons unknown, although it is assumed that it was an act of humility to his father and a request to accept his fiancée.

The performance of this work is impressive, and, especially for this occasion, the Belgrade Philharmonic has brought together vocal soloists from around the world, featuring sopranos Akiho Tsujii and Alexandra Yangel, tenor Benjamin Glaubitz, and bass Lucas Zinger. Fans of choral music will have a truly unique opportunity to hear the Czech Philharmonic Choir from Brno, which is at the very top of the world in terms of its quality and compactness of sound.

This concert is also special for celebrating an important jubilee, the 90th birthday of composer Sofia Gubaidulina, which was marked at the end of last year, and on this occasion the Belgrade Philharmonic presents the Serbian premiere of her Fairytale Poem from 1971. Still active, the author explained the idea of her composition starring a small piece of chalk that dreams of drawing divine landscapes instead of writing boring words and numbers on a blackboard. Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10 by Anton Webern, in which the composer presents himself as a true musical poet, will give the audience a chance to hear an interesting combination of instruments, including the harmonium, mandolins, guitars, the celeste, and cowbells. Tickets are on sale at the Belgrade Philharmonic’s box-office as well as online.