Concert in the Pasquart Church

A musical journey from the Renaissance to the 20th century

This concert invites you on a journey through nearly four centuries of vocal and instrumental music, focusing on the dialogue between voice and guitar. From the early forms of Renaissance monody to the expressive timbres of the 20th century, the programme highlights the development of musical language – from poetic intimacy to rich expressiveness. The works of Jacopo Peri, Orazio Vecchi, Francis Pilkington and John Dowland exemplify the subtlety and elegance of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, in which text and emotion play a central role. The classical era is represented by Fernando Sor, one of the most important figures in guitar literature, whose music combines formal clarity with lyrical expression. The 20th century brings new timbres with the works of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Agustín Barrios Mangoré and Joaquín Rodrigo, who combine folk traditions, art music influences and harmonic diversity. The programme showcases the stylistic diversity of these eras while emphasising the continuity of the dialogue between the human voice and guitar.

Description of the performers

Ljupka Rac — soprano
Serbian soprano Ljupka Rac has a clear and expressive voice. She pursues an international career and has been living in Switzerland for several years. She has appeared in numerous opera and concert projects, including at the Biel Solothurn Theatre Orchestra, where she performed roles in works by Handel, Verdi and Dvořák. Her musical training began early and took her from Serbia to Kiev and on to the Zurich University of the Arts and the Biel Opera Studio. Appreciated for her musical sensitivity and her interpretation of texts, she moves confidently between early music, romantic and modern repertoire.

Anton Kudryavtsev — guitar
Ukrainian guitarist Anton Kudryavtsev has lived in Switzerland since 1996. He studied guitar in Ukraine and then at the St. Petersburg Conservatory before winning several international competitions. He performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician in Switzerland and throughout Europe. In addition to his concert activities, he teaches at various music schools. His repertoire ranges from Renaissance to contemporary music, with a special focus on timbre and expression.