SZENE
Salzburg

In its concert series "Chorage," the Bach Choir, together with the Big Band of the Mozarteum University, dedicates itself to the sounds and rhythms of Duke Ellington's "Sacred Concert" on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the jazz legend's death. Ellington, who was deeply religious, did not conceive his Sacred Concert as a complete work. Instead, he wrote individual parts for various occasions, so the work was repeatedly reassembled. While on tour, he often performed the various "Sacred Concerts" with his band alongside local church choirs, which contributed to the widespread popularity of the works. Three "Sacred Concerts" by Duke Ellington have been passed down. The Danish choral composer John Høybye and Big Band leader Peder Pedersen combined the different versions into an integral edition with some new arrangements, which is now highly popular internationally. Thus, the Bach Choir and Mozarteum Big Band, as equal partners, will perform a rousing praise to the divine.

In addition, works by Finnish composer Jukka Linkola will be performed, who, as a Big Band leader, brings extensive jazz experience to his compositions. In his a cappella choral work "Mieliteko" (= Lust, Desire), Linkola addresses interpersonal idolatry, which he illuminates with groove and captivating jazz harmonies. The Finnish text comes across as anything but dry, but rather strikingly lively. Moreover, Jukka Linkola is composing a new work commissioned by the Bach Choir: Taking up the common thread of the sacred and personal idolatry, Linkola uses ancient poetic texts from Nordic mythology in search of a musical bridge between the two worlds, fluctuating between God and individual, between classical and jazz, between archaic myth and modern jazz sounds.

Jukka Linkola (*1955)
"Mieliteku“ and „Iltalaulu“ from the series „Mieliteko“
New Composition (commissioned by Bachchor Salzburg, premiere)

Duke Ellington (1899–1974)
Sacred Concert (Arr.: John Høybye, Peder Pedersen)

Bachchor Salzburg

Bigband der Universität Mozarteum (Leader: Christoph Pepe Auer)
Eva Klampfer, sopran
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Eli Hooker, stepdance
Benjamin Hartmann, conductor

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