Friday, 12.12.2025, 19:30h ZWINGLIHAUS BASEL
ENTRANCE FREE – DONATIONS WELCOME
Valentina Dubrovina, Cello
Silvia Carlin, Piano
PROGRAM:
Leoš Janáček (1854-1928), Pohádka für Cello und Klavier
Ethel Mary Smyth (1858-1944), Sonata for cello and piano op. 5
Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979), Trois Pieces for cello and piano
Carl Reinecke (1824-1910), Sonata for cello and piano n. 2 op. 89
Kontrapunkt – that means counterpoint – is not only the artful interplay of independent voices in music; it also represents the encounter of different personalities, eras, and ideas. In this program of the REVISION Project, four such voices enter into dialogue: Carl Reinecke, Ethel Smyth, Leoš Janáček, and Nadia Boulanger.
Reinecke, deeply rooted in the Romantic tradition as a composer and teacher in Leipzig, shaped generations of musicians – among them Smyth and Janáček. While he himself remained faithful to classical form, his students sought new paths: Smyth fought as both composer and suffragette for artistic and social freedom, while Janáček discovered his distinctive voice in the sounds of Czech folk melody. A generation later, Nadia Boulanger carried this legacy forward – as a legendary pedagogue who influenced 20th-century composers such as Copland and Bernstein.
Together they form a musical Kontrapunkt: four independent voices from different countries and times, interwoven into a many-voiced, harmonious whole – an echo of the diversity from which music itself arises.
The cellist Valentina Dubrovina and the pianist Silvia Carlin met in Basel ten years ago while studying at the Hochschule für Musik. Their shared passion for rare and overlooked music led them to found the REVISION Project. Through a thoughtfully curated repertoire and refined interpretations, they shape the identity of the project and embody its high musical standards.
Both are award winners of renowned international competitions and have established their musical careers in Switzerland and Europe.
Valentina performs as a soloist, in chamber ensembles, and with her clarinet trio, the Varga Trio, while also playing in various orchestras.
Silvia teaches piano at the Musik-Akademie Basel and performs in concerts across Switzerland and Europe.