I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make it.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM, the 74th Ljubljana Festival will host a concert dedicated to two masterpieces of German Romanticism at Gallus Hall in Cankarjev Dom. The performance will feature the ensemble and choir The Constellation, part of the broader Springhead Constellation organization, alongside three renowned British soloists, soprano Hilary Cronin, soprano Sam Cobb, and tenor Jonathan Hanley. Conductor Sir John Elliot Gardiner, a celebrated figure in classical music with multiple Grammy and Gramophone awards, will lead the evening. This marks his return to the Ljubljana Festival after previous appearances, bringing with him a fresh interpretation of these iconic works. The concert will open with Johannes Brahms' Lied der Menschheit, Op. 54, a deeply emotional choral and instrumental piece inspired by the poetry of Friedrich Hölderlin. The composition contrasts the serene world of gods with the uncertain life of humans, ending with a hopeful orchestral coda that offers comfort rather than despair. This work has long been regarded as one of Brahms' most beloved compositions, capturing both the turmoil and the promise of human existence through its powerful musical expression. Following this, the program will move into the grandeur of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 52, known as the Hymn of Praise. Composed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, this symphony integrates a chorus and solo vocalists into the traditional orchestra, creating a sweeping narrative rooted in selected biblical texts. The climactic choral exclamation “All things that breathe shall praise God” guides listeners on a journey from darkness toward light, offering a profound and accessible spiritual experience. Sir John Elliot Gardiner emphasized the significance of combining these two monumental works, noting how they bring together the structure of a symphonic orchestra with the power of choral and vocal texts in contrasting yet complementary ways. He described the evening as an opportunity for both seasoned audiences and younger listeners to rediscover the relevance of these classical pieces in contemporary life. The Constellation, a newly established ensemble and choir, represents a new generation of musicians who approach these great masterworks with immediacy, vitality, and a modern sensibility. Their collaboration with Gardiner and the featured soloists promises a dynamic and immersive performance that bridges tradition with innovation. Tickets for the 74th Ljubljana Festival are available online at ljubljanafestival.si, at the Križanke ticket office, at Petrolov bencinski servisi service stations, and other Eventim sales points. Members of the Ljubljana Festival Club receive a 10 percent discount on tickets for festival events, though this does not apply to co-productions. The festival reserves the right to alter the program as needed. The event underscores the ongoing commitment of the Ljubljana Festival to present high-caliber performances that engage diverse audiences while maintaining artistic excellence. As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for exploring the richness of classical music through innovative programming and collaborations with leading artists worldwide.