Philip Glass Ensemble (USA)
Koyaanisqatsi
The Philip Glass Ensemble performs Koyaanisqatsi: a musical journey that reveals the emotional power of the imbalance between humanity and nature.
The Philip Glass Ensemble (PGE) has been a pioneer in minimalist music since 1968. The members are among the most experienced interpreters of Philip Glass's compositions, characterized by repetitive structures and hypnotic rhythms.
Koyaanisqatsi
One of the most iconic works performed by the ensemble is Koyaanisqatsi, the soundtrack of the eponymous film by director Godfrey Reggio. This wordless film from 1982, consisting of impressive images of nature and human intervention, is completely carried by Glass's music. The composition is intense, meditative, and sometimes ominous, forming an essential part of the film's experience.
Koyaanisqatsi means "life out of balance" in the Hopi language, originating from the Hopi people of the southwestern United States. The piece Koyaanisqatsi by Philip Glass evokes a sense of alienation and reflection. Without words, it tells the story of the increasing imbalance in a modern world, with the disruption of the balance between humanity and nature at its core.
Philip Glass Ensemble
Since its founding, the Philip Glass Ensemble has gained international recognition. They have performed in leading concert halls and festivals across five continents and collaborated with renowned labels such as Sony, Nonesuch, and Orange Mountain Music. Many of Glass's most famous works, including Music in Twelve Parts, Einstein on the Beach, and Hydrogen Jukebox, have been specially written for the ensemble. In 2024, the PGE celebrated the 50th anniversary of Music in Twelve Parts with a performance at the same venue where the piece premiered. A tribute to their lasting impact on music history.
Michael Riesman is a composer, conductor, pianist, music producer, and music director of the Philip Glass Ensemble. Riesman has both conducted and performed on numerous recordings of Philip Glass's works, including most of his film soundtracks. He recorded five albums with solo piano arrangements of Glass's film music: The Hours, Dracula, Philip Glass Soundtracks, Beauty and the Beast, and Philip Glass.
Website: Philip Glass Ensemble
This concert is in collaboration with Patronaat.
