Štátny komorný orchester ŽilinaSlovak Sinfonietta Žilina

After overcoming a severe psychological crisis in 1802/1803, heroic themes were welcome for Ludwig van Beethoven. The Third Symphony Eroica, the Fifth Symphony, the Klavier Sonata Appassionata, the opera Fidelio - and the overtures Coriolan and Egmont are the pillars of this massive fortification. Coriolanus was based on a tragedy by the Austrian playwright Heinrich Joseph von Collin. Unlike the other heroic works (with the exception of Appassionata), however, this work lacks a triumphant denouement and an ode to victory. Heroism was not a chosen theme for the Apollonian Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; only in the opera seria did he lightly touch on the subject. Otherwise, he clearly preferred a carpe diem creative attitude. The details of the composition of his concertos for violin and orchestra are still shrouded in mystery, despite the best efforts of historians. However, he probably wrote them during his time in Salzburg. The A major Concerto was the most popular, thanks to its ethnically tuned finale. The life and work of the Silesian composer Anton Zimmermann were closely linked to Bratislava. During the reign of Maria Theresa, the city flourished in every way and Zimmermann achieved high musical positions. First it was the position of Kapellmeister of Count Batthyány's orchestra, at that time one of the best musical ensembles in Central Europe. Later he became organist at St. Martin’s Cathedral, where he was able to concentrate mainly on sacred music.

The Slovak Sinfonietta Žilina is one of the permanent guest ensembles at the BHS. This year its performance is also a reminder of the fifty-year history of this important representative of Slovak musical culture at home and abroad.