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The Ljubljana Festival will host two distinct yet thematically connected chamber concerts in late August, featuring renowned ensembles and soloists who will explore the intersections of Baroque and contemporary music, as well as classical elegance and youthful virtuosity. The first concert, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at 20:00 in the Marjan Kozina Hall of the Slovenian Philharmonic, will focus on Johann Sebastian Bach’s legacy and its modern reinterpretations. The second concert, set for Wednesday, August 19, at 18:00, will highlight the refined beauty of classical works through performances by emerging artists and established ensembles. Both events are part of the 74th edition of the festival, which continues to showcase high-caliber musical talent from around the world. The first evening will open with Bach's Concerto for Violin and Harpsichord in A minor, BWV 1041, performed by the Ensemble Dissonance under the baton of Benjamin Ziervogl. This ensemble, based in Slovenia and led by cellist Klemen Hvala, has become a key component of the festival's artistic identity. Following this, the program will feature Alfred Schnittke’s Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Chamber Orchestra, known for its ironic tone and twelve-tone structure. The evening will conclude with Ezia Bossa’s Concerto No. 1 for Violin, Harpsichord, and Timpani, titled “Esoconcerto,” a tribute to Bach, Vivaldi, and Mendelssohn. The piece was composed as a hidden homage and will be interpreted by Sergei Krilov, a celebrated violinist and conductor from Lithuania. Krilov, who serves as the artistic director of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra and teaches at the Conservatory of Lugano, will perform on a rare Stradivarius violin crafted in 1710. He is also noted for being the first to record Bossa’s work for Sony Classical. Krilov will take on both the role of soloist and conductor during the performance, adding a unique dimension to the concert. His dual presence underscores the festival’s commitment to blending traditional and contemporary interpretations of classical repertoire. The Ensemble Dissonance, which regularly collaborates with leading Slovenian musicians, will provide accompaniment, ensuring a seamless integration of historical and modern elements within the concert’s framework. The second concert will delve into the lyrical grace of classical composers, particularly focusing on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. It will begin with early operatic overtures from Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera and Apollo e Coronide, offering insight into his formative years as a composer. The centerpiece of the evening will be Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major, widely regarded as one of the most elegant pieces in the cello repertoire. Known for its perfect balance between technical brilliance and lyrical expression, the concerto will be performed by Ettore Pagano, a young Italian virtuoso and multiple award winner, including the prestigious Franco Abbati Award for Best Italian Conductor. Pagano will play on a valuable cello made by the Bologna master Ongaro in 1777. Pagano emphasized the importance of interpreting classical works with both scholarly attention and a contemporary sensibility. “While stylistic accuracy is crucial,” he stated, “the goal should always be to convey the essence of the style using today’s tools.” Accompanying him will be the Munich Chamber Philharmonia dacapo, conducted by Franz Schottky, a student of the legendary Sergiu Celibidache. The Bavarian orchestra will collaborate with Pagano to bring out the nuances of Haydn’s composition, highlighting the synergy between seasoned performers and rising stars. Both concerts aim to create an intimate dialogue between experienced ensembles and emerging talents, showcasing the diversity and richness of the classical tradition while embracing new perspectives. Tickets for the 74th Ljubljana Festival are available online at ljubljanafestival.si, at the Križanke ticket office, and at Petrolo’s service stations and other Eventim sales points. Members of the Ljubljana Festival Club receive a 10 percent discount on tickets for regular festival events, though this does not apply to co-productions. The festival organizers reserve the right to modify the program as needed. Further information can be found on the official website.