Kammermusik am Picassoplatz

The composer György Kurtág was born exactly 100 years ago. On 19 February 2026, he and the music world celebrated his 100th birthday. This chamber music concert with members of the Basel Symphony Orchestra conducted by Domenico Melchiorre does the same. György Kurtág is known for his highly condensed musical miniatures. In the concert, these will be combined with works by Pierre Boulez, John Cage and Domenico Melchiorre.
György Kurtág's Hommage to his late wife Márta from his collection Játékok (Games) for piano will be performed, as well as the miniature ...feuilles mortes..., a choral-like piano piece to be played ‘tristement’. The highlight of the birthday concert for Kurtág is the cycle for soprano and chamber ensemble Botschaften des verstorbenen Fräuleins R. V. Trussowa (Messages from the late Miss R. V. Trussowa). Here, Kurtág addresses the failure of human relationships. In a language that is as grotesque as it is drastic, these “messages” are a woman's expressions of loneliness, exhibitionism and exposure to the limits of self-respect.

The soprano part will be performed by Anna Juniki, a singer trained in Basel who gave a final university concert with the Basel Symphony Orchestra in May 2025, featuring works by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho.

Domenico Melchiorre himself will present his new work entitled Elyrion for piano, vibraphone and “Lunason” instruments at the concert. These instruments are developed by Melchiorre himself – solo timpanist in the Basel Symphony Orchestra, composer and inventor. According to Melchiorre, “Elyrion” is a word from the “Elvish language” meaning “valley of light”. The overtone vibrations of the instruments, says the composer, create a shimmering atmosphere. “Like a play of light”.