Preview: Strings of Autumn

The highlight of the autumn music season, Strings of Autumn, has returned, with the most expansive program of performers and venues in recent memory.

The 16th annual Strings of Autumn brings a bevy of international jazz, classical and world music stars to Prague for more than a month of concerts at venues throughout the city. While in previous years, the festival was centered at the Rudolfinum, this year it has branched out to include Divadlo na Vinohradech, Divadlo Hybernia, the Czech Museum of Music, Stavovské Divadlo, Veletržní palac and even Roxy. Festival Director Marek Vrabec tells The Prague Post the choice of venues is almost as important to the festival as the choice of performers.

"We look for the 'right' venue for each artist - and that could be a venue that resonates with the music, or it might be a venue less traditionally associated with an artist or a genre: an unusual setting that we feel might bring out something in the players, as well as making the concert experience special for our audience," he says.

This year, the festival begins in high jazz style, with diva Dee Dee Bridgewater returning to Prague for a performance at the State Opera. Bridgewater, who was born in Flint, Michigan, but has lived in Paris since the mid-'80s, was last in Prague in April, singing a tribute to Billie Holliday. Her performance at Strings of Autumn promises to be a jazz-lover's delight from one of the finest singers in the genre. (Sept. 26 at 7:30)

But Strings of Autumn hasn't thrown off its classical robes. Austrian violinist Thomas Zehetmair will perform at St. Anne's Church, also known as Prague Crossroads, in a concert of Paganini's 24 Caprices and Yssaye's solo sonatas, pieces that have solidified Zehetmair's reputation as one of the most energetic violinists in the world. (Oct. 3 at 7:30)  

Avishai Cohen, a musician who is familiar to Prague music lovers, is making his debut at Strings of Autumn this year with a performance at Divadlo Hybernia. Born in Tel Aviv, this upright bass player and singer was discovered by Chick Corea in New York, where he was trying to make his way in the American jazz scene. Known for his passionate performances and his skill as a composer, Cohen will be performing pieces from his latest album, Seven Seas, a hard-driving album of thick, worldly grooves. (Oct. 12 at 7:30)

One vocal highlight of this year's festival is bass baritone Sir Willard White, who will be performing a tribute to the American singer, actor and civil rights leader Paul Robeson. White was born in Jamaica and made his debut with the New York City Opera in 1974. His performance will include standards like "Ol' Man River," as well as spirituals and early jazz songs from the American South. This performance will poise Willard between opera and traditional folk. (Oct. 20 at 7:30)

Other vocal performers at the festival take a more collective approach, like A Filetta, a quartet of Corsican singers who perform early vocal music from the Mediterranean region. Similar to traditional religious choral music but driving with a more passionate syncopation, A Filetta's repertoire is unexpectedly moving, with each polyphony subtly changing and taking on a life of its own. (Oct. 25 at 7:30)

As a whole, Strings of Autumn brings together diverse musicians from around the world. Less rarely do such combinations occur within the groups themselves, and The Charles Lloyd New Quartet is the exception that proves the rule. A lauded saxophonist, Lloyd has been playing since the late 1950s, performing with the likes of B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf and other blues legends before moving into the jazz world with Cannonball Adderly. His rhythm section features a trio of younger musicians who put some pep in this exquisite performer's mouthpiece. (Oct. 30 at 7:30)

Kimmo Pohjonen, meanwhile, will stretch the audience's ears. This Finnish accordionist and composer has taken his traditional instrument to the cutting edge of the avant-garde. Known for frenetic, multimedia performances, Pohjonen has earned the reputation of being "the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion" and is sure to live up to his moniker at his performance in Veletržní palac. (Nov. 2 at 7:30)

If Pohjonen will blast the audience to new dimensions, Robert Glasper will bring them back down to earth with steady jazz grooves. A jazz pianist combining elements of hip-hop and gospel, Glasper will perform two concerts with two distinct bands: The Robert Glasper Trio and Experiment. While the trio is a straight-ahead jazz group, Experiment is a larger ensemble that delves into hip-hop beats and sensibilities. They will perform at a new event for Strings of Autumn, "Spotlight," a concert showcasing young musical talents like Glasper and British hip-hop artist Ghostpoet. (Nov. 5 at 7:30; Nov. 6 at 7:30)

The festival's closing concert will give a nod to Baroque music, with Alaskan-born singer Vivica Genaux performing arias by Vivaldi with the Czech early music ensemble orchestra Collegium 1704 conducted by Václav Luks. Known as an emotive performer as well as a highly skilled singer, Genaux will take Prague audiences back in time, providing a truly classical finale to Strings of Autumn. (Nov. 10 at 7:30)

This year's festival offers a rich and diverse program of music spanning continents and eras, which Vrabec says perfectly fits the principle behind Strings of Autumn, which he describes as "to bring together outstanding artists from a range of genres and to provide our audience with unique concertgoing experiences."

"We're always careful to strike a good balance between genres, and between complesment and contrast."

Stephan Delbos can be reached at
sdelbos@praguepost.com