The Zagreb Soloists and Boris Andrianov Perform at the Istrian National Theater: Jacob’s Dream and the Premiere of a Composition Yet in Progress
“Simply magnificent.” “Truly exceptional music, remarkable artists, and genuine musical magic.” These are just some of the comments from the audience following the concert by the Zagreb Soloists and cellist Boris Andrianov on Tuesday evening at the Istrian National Theater—Pula City Theater, where the musicians presented a captivating program.
The audience was swept into enchanting realms—peaceful, joyful, luminous, inspired, lyrical, original, and dreamlike—thanks to the outstanding performance of the Zagreb Soloists, an ensemble founded in 1953 under Radio Zagreb. Their talent, dedication, and hard work—evident in every performance—are often said to leave no one indifferent, wherever they play. With cellist Boris Andrianov, who has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, the atmosphere was even more impressive and profound. A distinctive aspect of his artistry is his preference for performing in small venues worldwide, often in places where events are not typically held—a commendable pursuit, especially in today’s ever more precarious world.
A special highlight of the concert was the performance of Baruch Berliner’s Jacob’s Dream for cello and string ensemble. The piece was delivered with exceptional tenderness, expressiveness, and depth, and the soloist added that unique element, the finishing touch, which made the performance truly extraordinary.
This cello and string ensemble concerto is inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, who dreamed of a ladder reaching to Heaven and beheld the Creator, who promised him and his descendants prosperity.
Initially written as a symphonic poem, the piece was later transformed into a concerto for cello and string ensemble by composer Baruch Berliner and producer Nachum Slutzker, who acted on the advice of world-renowned cellist Mischa Maisky.
The audience in Pula were privy to the premiere of another composition by Dr. Berliner—the Abraham cello concerto. As Mr. Andrianov mentioned in his heartfelt address to the audience, this is a gift for the people of Pula, since the piece is not yet fully completed.
The concert began with Symphony No. 9 by Amando Ivančić, featuring the movements Allegro, Andante, and again Allegro, and concluded with Paganini’s Caprice No. 4 and Caprice No. 24.
Mr. Andrianov, a celebrated cellist, has graced the world’s most esteemed concert halls and prestigious festivals. He has taken part in numerous international and national projects, which have consistently garnered great acclaim from audiences, bringing together world-renowned performers. He won the Antonio Janigro International Cello Competition in Zagreb, along with competitions in Johannesburg, Hanover, Paris, South Korea, to name a few.
For nearly seven decades, under the artistic direction of prominent concertmasters such as Dragutin Hrdjok, Tonko Ninić, Anđelko Krpan, and Borivoj Martinić-Ježić, the Zagreb Soloists have consistently displayed exceptional musical skill, regularly performing on prestigious concert stages worldwide.
Source: www.glasistre.hr
Photo: GEORG HERCEG