Next Generation

Program: 

Afamia Al-Dayaa (1985*) – Fair Havens (2025)
(Hungarian premiere) (15’)
for mezzo-soprano, saxophone, piano, and percussion

1. Intro
   II. Solo Nonsense-Speech
   III. Which direction does the wind blow?
   IV. The wind blows where it wants to…
   V. It became so dark
   VI. The Whole Sea
   VII. Shriek
   VIII. Silence
   IX. What I hear most clearly now…
   X. Intervals of tranquility
   XI. Calm, glassy sea
   XII. Everyone carries different storms

Mihalicza Csenge (2000*) – Halandzsa (2024) (8’)
for cello

Miguel Segura Sogorb (1990*) – Hybris (2025)
(Hungarian premiere) (15’)
for mezzo-soprano, saxophone, piano, and percussion

I.
II.

Arlet Miguélez Álvarez (1997*) – Solus à cuatro ante una hoguera donde (2021) (8’)
for cello

Kostas Zisimopoulos (1994*) – Verbrennung (2025)
(Hungarian premiere) (15’)
for mezzo-soprano, saxophone, piano, and percussion

1. E Diminished
   II. Babel
   III. Outside Himself
   IV. If
   V. Blind

2.  

Three compositions in the programme are commissioned works by Wien Modern and Alte Schmiede, Vienna, which we are pleased to present in Budapest. Inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s parable In der Erwartung großer Stürme (In Anticipation of Great Storms), three young composers address questions of our time in commissioned works for a mezzo-soprano, saxophone, piano, and percussion: the relationship between humans and nature, the limits of technological progress, and the tension between control and letting things take their course. The pieces draw on elements of musical theatre and incorporate narrative forms from myth, fairy tale, or personal journal. Their endings are sometimes contrasting, ranging from apocalyptic visions to tones of hope. 

Interspersed between these works are newly composed works by young composers from Cuba, Hungary, and Iceland, serving as bridges between the narrative-driven works and offering moments of reflection and transition.

Participating composers:

Afamia Al-Dayaa (Germany, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, New York University)

Miguel Segura Sogorb (Spain, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna)

Kostas Zisimopoulos (Cologne University of Music and Dance; University of Music and Performing Arts Graz; Berlin University of the Arts; Royal Conservatoire The Hague)

Arlet Miguélez Álvarez (Cuba, Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen)

Csenge Mihalicza (Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest)

NEXT GENERATION is a concert series initiated by Univ.-Prof. Judit Varga (mdw Vienna), providing young composers from Europe and around the world with a platform to present their works in professional concert settings. At the same time, the series offers audiences insight into the musical ideas of the coming generation. In addition to the composers, the performing musicians are also students in the final years of their studies or recent graduates. The series therefore functions not only as a concert format but also as an international networking project. Through shared artistic experiences, contacts and collaborations are formed that can have a lasting impact on the careers of young artists. The aim is to foster these networks and to strengthen international exchange in contemporary music.

ARGO KOLLEKTIV was founded in 2022 by Panos Nikitaris (piano), Juan Moreda (saxophone), Taikan Yamasaki (percussion), and Youngseo Kim (violin). The young ensemble emerged within the Master’s programme New Music Ensemble at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw). Although the collective has recently begun working with an increasing number of musicians and is growing rapidly, it remains highly versatile—both as a chamber music formation and as a larger ensemble.

The collective currently includes violin, viola, violoncello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, percussion, soprano, sound engineer, conductor, as well as two composers. Its particular strength lies in its close collaboration with young composers in the development of new contemporary repertoires. At present, the ensemble is deeply engaged in exploring new concert formats, including inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations with electronic music, visual arts, dance, and improvisation.

www.argokollektiv.com

Supporter
With the friendly support of Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.