Chamber Music Festival “Stradun Classic” – Ouverture

Marija Pavlović, Croatian clarinetist and Stradun Classic festival director, curates unique themed programs in Dubrovnik. She combines popular and lesser-known chamber works, featuring international artists and Croatian composers. This approach promotes local culture while fostering global collaboration in music.

OUVERTURE

Composers use overtures to set the mood for operas. Richard Strauss chose a string sextet for his 1942 opera “Capriccio,” which explores whether words or music are more important through elegant salon conversations.

Beethoven’s “Gassenhauer Trio” features a popular theme, like today’s schlagers. He wrote nine variations on a tune from Joseph Weigl’s dramma giocoso.

Boris Papandopulo, who wrote six operas, created a spirited Scherzo for nonet reminiscent of cartoon film music, matching rapid on-screen events with virtuoso comedy.

Hummel, famous as a pianist, composed operas, masses, and cantatas. However, he’s best remembered for his instrumental works, including the impressive D minor septet from 1816.

• Gordan Nikolić, violin
• Mirabai Weismehl Rosenfeld, violin
• Šimun Končić, viola
• Alena Shapochka, viola
• Justus Grimm, violoncello
• Celine Flamen, violoncello
• Marija Pavlović, clarinet
• Milena Lipovšek, flute
• Tom Owen, oboe
• Boštjan Lipovšek, horn
• Matija Novaković, basson
• Frano Kakarigi, double bass
• Maria Meerovitch, piano

PROGRAM:

R.Strauss:                   Sextet for Strings from Capriccio, Op. 85
L.van Beethoven:   The piano trio in B-flat major, Op.11
B.Papandopulo:      Scherzo nonet
J.N.Hummel:            Septet in D Minor, Op. 74