One of the exclusive highlights of this concert season is the Serbian premiere of Hans Zender’s composed reinterpretation of Franz Schubert’s Winterreise. Schubert’s iconic song cycle, originally written for voice and piano, is considered to be the pinnacle not only of the composer’s output but of the entire German Lied tradition. Zender wrote his unique arrangement for tenor and chamber orchestra in 1993, in response to his own question: Is one of the greatest European masterpieces truly presented in its best light when performed in the usual manner – two gentlemen in tuxedos on a grand concert stage? Zender’s versionincludes atypical instruments such as guitar, soprano saxophone, and accordion.

Offering a completely new perspective on Wilhelm Müller’s poetry, Zender delves into the darkest emotional layers of human existence. The author illuminates the emotions pulsating just beneath the surface of Schubert’s work, uncovering some of its most dreadful layers through music. Renowned British tenor James Way performs under the baton of Howard Griffiths.