Ensemble-in-Residence at Prague Offspring

The ensemble looks back on cherished performances like the premieres of Martin Smolka's Andělské schody (Angel Steps) and new compositions by emerging Czech composers. The invaluable collaboration with the festival's esteemed  composers-in-residence such as Olga Neuwirth (2022), Georg Friedrich Haas (2023) and Rebecca Saunders (2024) manifested itself in powerful moments of artistic expression, which culminated in the staging of Haas's monumental concert installation 11,000 Strings, unleashing a microtonal universe for 50 pianos and ensemble, at Forum Karlín on 2 June 2024.

"In 2018, I dreamed of starting Prague Offspring and embraced my role on the artistic board of the Prague Spring Festival. With the three-year residency of Klangforum Wien, which has now concluded six years later, the first chapter of this dream has come to fruition. Everything came true – not just musically, but in ways I could never have imagined. The deep, personal connections with the audience, with the Prague music scene, and the festival itself were so profound that now, as the residency ended, it feels like a beloved family member is leaving. With gratitude for this incredible experience, I wish the ensemble all the best for their future endeavors and hope to welcome them back to Prague again one day." – Miroslav Srnka (Founder of Prague Offspring and Member of the Artistic Board of Prague Spring Festival)

"Klangforum Wien’s residency has been a game-changer in terms of the perception of contemporary music practice. The ensemble's fascinating musicianship, absolute professionalism, and total dedication to the music they play – be it by world-famous composers or artists at the beginning of their careers – have made a huge impact, reaching far beyond the concert hall. Their artistic relationships with some of the best composers alive, along with warm openness to the Czech music scene, have made for unforgettable festival concerts and established fruitful connections." – Josef Třeštík (Programme Director, Prague Spring)

Highlights & Background

Starting in 2022, the pandemic uncertainty still looming, Prague (Off)Spring embarked on a journey dedicated to contemporary music. And Klangforum Wien had the distinct honor of being invited as the ensemble-in-residence for a period of three years. With composer-in-residence Olga Neuwirth taking center stage with the performance of her Lost Highway Suite, the concert programmes, led by conductor Bas Wiegers, also included a piece by Clara Iannotta and especially commissioned works by Czech composers which included Martin Smolka’s aforementioned Andělské schody (Angel Steps) that has since become a treasured part of the ensemble’s repertoire.

The 2023 edition of Prague Offspring commenced with a nod to the centenary of György Ligeti, and Klangforum Wien also treated the audience to a performance of in vain by Georg Friedrich Haas, hailed as “one of the first masterpieces of the 21st century“. The new tradition of premiering festival commissions by Czech composers was continued to much acclaim, which included the first performance of Lunapark by Jana Vöröšová. The musical direction was in the hands of Peter Rundel.

In a wonderful coincidence of fate, Klangforum Wien’s honorary member Rebecca Saunders is also composer-in-residence at the festival in 2024. The highpoint of performances of her works will be marked by the Czech premiere of Nether (for soprano, 19 instrumental soloists, and conductor), together with soprano Juliet Fraser. Known for its intricate interplay between the soloist’s voice and the instruments as voices, it is considered one of the most demanding compositions. Under the baton of Enno Poppe, the concert programme of the final residency-year will also pay tribute to the late Kaija Saariaho and her unique poetic language grounded in spectral music. Again, newly commissioned pieces by Czech and Slovak composers will offer fresh perspectives on new ideas in music. And since such a successful residency has to be celebrated appropriately, the festival invited the performance of Georg Friedrich Haas's 11,000 Strings for 50 pianos and ensemble to the Czech capital.

Knowledge Transfer

What does it feel like sightreading a new composition? Which performance techniques are important?  From the beginning, mentorship for aspiring talents and knowledge transfer were an integral part of Klangforum Wien’s engagement during their residency. Ensemble members hosted masterclasses and reading sessions which were met with great interest and dedication by the students – a unique opportunity for the next generation of musicians and composers to refine their vision for contemporary music practice.

Farewell

The members of Klangforum Wien will fondly remember their tenure as ensemble-in-residence on stage at the beautiful DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, as well as the deep connections with the vibrant artistic community and its audience. The vital experiences at Prague Offspring will continue to inspire their never-ending quest to pursue new horizons of music.