Music & Dialogue: “Idealism verus Ideology”

Our opening evening of our “Music and Dialogue” series focused on “Idealism versus Ideology.”

Conductor Joji Hattori, Artistic Director of the Vienna Opera Summer, began by describing idealism as a form of altruism. Under his direction, the Forum String Quartet performed Dvořák’s String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 51.

Harpist Nadja Floder impressed the audience with Marcel Grandjany’s Rhapsody, Op. 10, and her own composition, “Longing for Eternity.” She reflected on creating lasting value for society and finding meaning through the balance of idealism and ideology.

Author Ilija Trojanow followed with a keynote on the disappearance of utopias in today’s world, urging a rediscovery of idealism. A lively audience discussion and Schoenberg’s “Notturno for Strings and Harp” concluded the evening, which continued informally over a get-together.

We thank all participating artists and guests for making this opening a true evening of music and dialogue.