Composition Commission issued to Philipp Maintz

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, Germany

The viola was for many years underestimated as a solo instrument. Living in the shadow of violins and violoncellos there was relatively little solo literature for the instrument right up into the 20^th century.
The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival now devotes special attention to the viola in the 2015 season. At the three-day festival “360° Viola” the violin’s big sister is very much centerstage. The focus here is on innovative concert formats, a desire to experiment, modern types of musical appreciation and program dramaturgy with numerous associations.
Offering contemporary music a special place in the program is a commissioned composition for viola and piano by the Ernst von Siemens Composer’s Prize winner Philipp Maintz. The soloist to perform the premiere will be festival prize winner Nils Mönkemeyer. With his artistic brilliance and innovative program design this musician has quickly become one of the most successful viola players internationally. He will be accompanied by the young pianist William Youn who the press has dubbed a “genuine poet” with “a bravura technique of touch”. The premiere will also feature a discussion with the composer and performer.

August 15, 2015
Festspielscheune, Ulrichshusen

Further Information:
www.festspiele-mv.de