Music inspired by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions, as well as Judaism and Islam will be heard at the Peace for Jerusalem concert. The Choir of the Center of Thought of John Paul II, conducted by Jakub Siekierzyński, and the Bastard Trio will perform.
As announced by the organizers from the Center for the Thought of John Paul II, the concert will be narrated in the form of a journey through various denominations, cultures and eras. Listeners will hear, among others: the 8-voice motet “Adom Olam” by the Renaissance Jewish composer Salamone Rossi; the fourth part of the cantata “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” by Johann Sebastian Bach to a melody composed by the Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicolai; the traditional Syrian song “Yal asmar ellon” arranged for choir by Edward Torikian; the Orthodox version of the Lord's Prayer “Our Father” by Alfred Schnittke – a 20th-century composer of Russian-German-Jewish origin, or “Pie Jesu” from Requiem (Catholic Mass for the Dead) by Gabriel Faure.
In addition to works in which the choir will play the main role, the concert will also include songs performed by instrumentalists from the Bastard Trio: “Litaniae” – a piece based on medieval melodies of funeral ceremonies, “Predulcis eurus” based on the songs of the 15th-century composer Peter of Grudziądz, traditional Hasidic niguns or Paweł Szamburski's solo improvisation inspired by Sufi melodies. The choir and Bastarda Trio will perform some of the songs together.
Experiencing beauty beyond divisions
Peace for Jerusalem will in some way refer to the Music of Peace – Music of Faith festival, invented and created by Miron Zajfert. After his death last year, the festival was suspended. The concert is also connected with the anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, during which John Paul II met with representatives of religions from all over the world.
– Our reality calls for constant attempts to reach understanding across divisions. One of the proven means to achieve this goal is music, which can unite us in a common experience of beauty. I am even more glad that our invitation to organize a joint event was accepted by outstanding artists – says Michał Senk, director of the Center for the Thought of John Paul II, quoted in the press release.
The event will take place on Sunday, October 20 at 6.00 p.m. in the Polish Radio Concert Studio. W. Lutosławski. Admission is free, after collecting your free entry ticket.
Main photo source: mat. press releases