Commission to Vito Žuraj

How does an artist’s physical disability influence his attitude to life, his ability to continue to communicate and work? Is there a noticeable effect on his artistic work after being hit by illness?

Slovenian composer Vito Žuraj will be composing a work dealing with the impact of disability on the artist and his work. The most famous example of an artist with disabilities is probably Ludwig van Beethoven, who faced increasing deafness jeopardizing his work and livelihood. The librettist Klaus Händl places the composer in context with other artistic personalities such as Claude Monet from music and the fine arts. They all suffered from physical impairments, presenting their artistic work with obstacles. The composition project stimulates the audience and sensitizes them to what living with disability really means, especially for an artist.

The world premiere of INNEN – SISÄLLÄ will be performed by the Helsinki Chamber Choir under the baton of Nils Schweckendiek. The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation is funding the commission to Vito Žuraj.

Further information:
helsinkichamberchoir.fi

Dates

February 15, 2025
Helsinki Musiikkitalo (Festival Musica nova Helsinki)

May 17, 2025
Acht Brücken Festival, Cologne

May 18, 2025
Freiburg