Natural phenomena are unpredictable, tragic, brutal – and they fascinate humanity and its arts. This is also true for composers James Dillon, Nina Šenk, and Tan Dun. The Basel Sinfonietta will open its new season with their works on September 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Stadtcasino Basel.
Under the direction of Principal Conductor Titus Engel, we will let the forces of nature play out at the start of the season: from the first “lightning strike” with the Basel flautist Vera Fischer, through the respite “Changing”, before the thunder begins with “The Tears of Nature” and star drummer Vivi Vassileva.
The musical storm begins with James Dillon's "Lightning Strike": a densely and intricately composed flute concerto that challenges not only the soloist. As the concluding part of his "German Triptych," the Scottish composer (a self-taught musician!) set to music the idea of enlightenment emerging from darkness. With Basel-born flautist Vera Fischer, we look forward to a virtuosic solo performance that will contrast with the power of the large orchestra.
Nina Šenk's "Changing" for Orchestra explores a "breathing" organic structure that slowly but steadily transforms. Composed during the 2020 pandemic, the Slovenian composer grappled with instability and change. The work begins with a single note, to which new material gradually attaches itself, resulting in a structure of slow inhalation and exhalation. The underlying monotonous idea remains recognizable, but due to the constant change, it is never identical.
As a grand finale, Tan Dun's "The Tears of Nature" thunders through all facets of percussion. To illustrate the diversity of percussive instruments and their soundscapes, the composer considered only nature itself: with its power, passion, and energy. These three qualities, exemplified by real natural disasters, inform the three movements of his Percussion Concerto. Tan Dun wrote the work for the percussionist Martin Grubinger, with whom—a happy coincidence—our second soloist of the evening, Vivi Vassileva, studied.
Secure your ticket and celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season with us.
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Want to learn more? Take a look at the program booklet now.
