Portrait concerts Juan Allende-Blin

forma Leipzig is dedicating a concert series to composer Juan Allende-Blin. The audience will have the opportunity to discover new and early works by this composer, who is unfortunately relatively unknown but artistically and musically significant. The 97-year-old composer will be present at the events.

Juan Allende-Blin, born in Santiago de Chile in 1928, is an important composer whose work is deeply rooted in the tradition of the New Viennese School and is characterised by subtle, precise sound design. After moving to Germany, he became committed to rediscovering and reappraising ostracized and forgotten music of the 20th century, with moral and political issues playing a central role in his work. His music, characterized by a unique combination of sensual logic and intellectual depth, transports listeners into their own timeless soundscapes.

The portrait concerts, made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, present a diverse programme: the first concert features two sound collages produced by SWR and Deutschlandfunk Kultur. Niels Herrmann’s portrait film about the composer will also be shown. The second concert is a piano recital at the Grieg Begegnungsstätte. Pianist Ermis Theodorakis will play works by Juan Allende-Blin from 1949 to 2005, including the major work Dialogue for piano and a second player (Johannes Cotta). The third programme is a highlight of the concert series: ensemble mosaik will perform ensemble works and a cantata for baritone and six instruments from 2024. In addition, in cooperation with the University of Music and Theatre in Leipzig, an organ course with a concert in St. Thomas Church will take place. Students will present the results of a workshop with Juan Allende-Blin.

Further information:
forma-leipzig.de

Dates

October 12, 2025
GRASSI Museum of Ethnology, Leipzig

October 13, 2025
Grieg Begegnungsstätte, Leipzig

October 14, 2025
Musical Instrument Museum at GRASSI, Leipzig

October 15, 2025
St. Thomas Church, Leipzig