Tomaž Sevšek & Barbara Kozelj Presented by Liszt Academy

Two fine artists from neighbouring Slovenia arrive at the Liszt Academy’s Grand Hall with an exciting and somewhat unconventional programme. Tomaž Sevšek, who studied under Zsigmond Szathmáry, is an eminent and dedicated proponent of Romantic organ music, while his compatriot, mezzo-soprano Barbara Kozelj, is renowned for her hugely successful concerts given with Iván Fischer and other prominent conductors. The figure of Max Reger, the giant of organ music active around the turn of the century, looms large over the concert. Two of his major compositions are performed: a choral fantasia and a lied on a poem by Hölderlin, originally with orchestral accompaniment. The opening work is by Blaž Arnič, the leading Slovenian composer of the 20th century, followed by a selection from the marvellous lieders of Hugo Wolf in arrangements by Reger. Other special features of the recital are Wagner’s vibrant love song cycle and Bach’s deeply impressive variation series for violin.