Genesis Symphonic Poem Performed in Italy

On March 17 and 18, Italy will welcome performances of Baruch Berliner’s symphonic poem “Genesis.” On March 17, the piece will be presented in Assisi at the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, and on March 18 it will be delivered in Florence at the Church of Santa Felicita.

Genesis, Dr. Berliner’s landmark work, unites music and religion—the two pillars of the composer’s life. The composition draws on the biblical account of the creation of the world, with its central leitmotif and philosophical theme emphasizing each person’s equal capacity to choose between good and evil. The symphonic poem consists of seven movements, each illustrating events recounted in the Old Testament:

1) The Creation of the World;
2) Adam and Eve;
3) The Expulsion from Paradise;
4) Cain and Abel;
5) Noah;
6) The Flood;
7) The Token of the Covenant.

The performance unfolds alongside striking video art by Israeli visual designer and animator Yaron Shin (aka Jewboy), complemented by sound effects crafted by composer and manager of Baruch Berliner’s Genesis International Project, Evgeny Atsapkin. The piece will be delivered by Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina led by conductor Lior Shambadal.

Mr. Shambadal, an Israeli composer and conductor, studied viola, trombone, and conducting in his native Tel Aviv. He mastered theory and composition with Sergiu Natra, then continued his training under Karl Melles at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, as well as with Hans Swarowsky in Vienna. Mr. Shambadal honed his conducting skills with Carlo Maria Giulini, Igor Markevitch, Sergiu Celibidache, and Franco Ferrara. His education also encompassed electronic music in Vienna and composition in France with Witold Lutosławski and Henri Dutilleux.

Narrated by Rosario Campisi
Producer & General Manager – Nachum Slutzker