Walking in Beauty / Berlin Philharmonie, April 2023

Photography (c) Peter Adamik

Dear friends,

We are thrilled to share the most beautiful moments from our performance at the Berlin Philharmonic with the Siparantum choir conducted by our Memli Kelmendi. It was an unforgettable experience that gave us a sense of joy, accomplishment, and deep gratitude.

The energy of the renowned Berlin Philharmonic concert hall, the collaboration with the other choirs, colleagues, and the well-known composer, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and the opportunity to share our music with a wider audience filled us with immense pleasure. The atmosphere was electric, and the performance was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and passion for music.

WALKING IN BEAUTY

April 12 – 16, 2023 | PHILHARMONIE BERLIN

Beyond the musical collaborations, we also forged lasting friendships with singers from other choirs. We shared laughter, stories, and cultural insights during informal gatherings and after-concert celebrations. It was a beautiful reminder of how music transcends language barriers and brings people together.


APRIL 12, 2023, 20:00 at St. Matthäus Kirche Choirs

Coro de la Universidad de Valladolid (Spain) Dir. Javier Fajardo

Chamber Choir Flanders (Belgium) Dir. Jeroen Keymeulen

Hugo-Distler-Chor Berlin (Germany) Dir. Stefan Schuck

Mixed Choir Sonoros (Lithuania)Dir. Valerija Skapiene

Kamerkoor Koriolis (Belgium)Dir. Joris Derder

Siparantum Choir (Kosovo) Dir. Memli Kelmendi

Kammerchor des Collegium Musicum Berlin, (Germany) Dir. Donka Miteva

The choir performed the following works in the program: ‘Pax’ by Memli Kelmendi and ‘Fire’ by Katerina Gimon, featuring Fidan Strumcaku on the bass drum


APRIL 13, 2023 at 20:00, St. Matthäus Kirche

Siparantum Choir, Dir. Memli Kelmendi (Kosovo)
Sonoros, Dir. Valerija Skapiene (Lithuania)
Hugo-Distler-Chor, Dir. Stefan Schuck (Germany)

The choir performed the following works in the program: ‘PAX’ by Memli Kelmendi, ‘Mirëmbrama’ by Lorenc Antoni, ‘Xhike-Loke’ by Rafet Rudi, and ‘Fire’ by Katerina Gimon, featuring Fidan Strumcaku on the bass drum. Additionally, ‘My Song’ by Ēriks Ešenvalds was performed by Kaltrina Miftari, soprano, accompanied by Agron Shujaku.


Photography (c) Peter Adamik

APRIL 16, 2023 at 16:00, Berliner Philharmoniker

Chamber Choir Flanders, Dir. Jeroen Keymeulen, Vocal Art Ensemble of Sweden, Dir. Jan Yngwe, Sonoros Mixed Choir, Dir. Valerija Skapiene, Kammerchor des Collegium Musicum Berlin, Dir. Donka Miteva, Junger Kammerchor Berlin, Dir. Juliane Roever, Siparantum Choir, Dir. Memli Kelmendi, Kammerkoor Coriolis, Dir. Joris Derder, Hugo-Distler-Chor Berlin, Dir. Stefan Schuck, Coro de la Universidad de Valladolid, Dir. Javier Fajardo

In the first part of the concert, the choir performed the works: ‘The Rose’ for mixed choir, piano (Agron Shujaku), and string quartet (Cresere Berlin String Quartet) by composer Ola Gjeilo, ‘Fire’ by Katerina Gimon featuring Fidan Strumcaku on bass drum, and ‘My Song’ by Ēriks Ešenvalds performed by Kaltrina Miftari, soprano, accompanied by Agron Shujaku. The choir was conducted by Memli Kelmendi.


During your stay in Berlin, Siparantum Choir had the incredible opportunity to hold a workshop with the renowned composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. Ešenvalds is known for his exceptional choral compositions that are celebrated worldwide for their innovation and artistic depth. The workshop was a transformative experience for Siparantum Choir, as we gained new perspectives and honed their skills under the tutelage of a world-class composer.

At the end of the workshop, Ešenvalds expressed his admiration for Siparantum Choir, praising their musicality, dedication, and passion.


In the photo, the world-renowned composer Ēriks Ešenvalds and the conductor of the Siparantum Choir, Memli Kelmendi, are seen during a workshop held in Berlin. One of the compositions created during the workshop, titled ‘My Song’ by Ēriks Ešenvalds, was performed by soprano Kaltrina Miftari, accompanied by pianist Agron Shujaku, at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall on April 16th, under the direction of Memli Kelmendi.

Our choir conductor, Memli Kelmendi, leading 350 choristers in warm-up exercises


Photography (c) Peter Adamik

The Final Concert was made truly magical by the enchanting sounds of composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, featuring his most beautiful works such as ‘Rivers of Light,’ ‘She Walks in Beauty,’ ‘My Song,’ ‘Greetings,’ ‘O Salutaris Hostia,’ ‘The Heavens Flock,’ and ‘Only in Sleep.’ This will surely remain one of our most cherished experiences!

#WalkingInBeauty #Berlin #ChoralSpace


[VIDEO]

Siparantum Choir’s Memorable Performance in Berlin, April 2023

We are thrilled to share a heartfelt and emotional moment from our recent experience at the Berlin Philharmonic. In the video below, you will find an interview with the esteemed composer, Ēriks Ešenvalds, whose music has left an indelible mark on our souls. We are still deeply moved by the emotions that continue to carry us to this day.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ēriks Ešenvalds, Kristine Sheroyan, Jan Yngwe, Jeroen Keymeulen, Vigdis Hansa Elst, Marie Lazri, and all those involved for their motivating words and unwavering support. Your encouragement has been truly invaluable to us on our musical journey.

We invite you to watch the video below and experience the magic of our time at the Berlin Philharmonic. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us.

This success wouldn’t be possible without our friends’ support,
who have made this dream a reality: Embassy of Switzerland in Kosovo Ministria e Kulturës, Rinisë dhe Sportit, Albaqeramika, Komuna Pejë, ChoralSpace.

#BerlinPhilharmonic #WalkingInBeauty #EmotionalMoment #MusicJourney #Gratitude #ĒriksEšenvalds #KristineSheroyan #JanYngwe #JeroenKeymeulen #VigdisHansaElst #MarieLazri #MusicAppreciation #ChoralSpace #Kosovo #ChoralMusic


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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