Mandolin Virtuoso Avi Avital Teams Up with Brooklyn Rider for Beethoven Festival Performance

Avi Avital: The Mandolin Maestro

Renowned for elevating the mandolin to a classical stage, Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital showcased his exceptional prowess in collaboration with the innovative string ensemble Brooklyn Rider during the 2023 Beethoven Festival in Bonn. This performance was a musical journey from historical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, illustrating the mandolin's versatility through various genres and cultures.

The Eclectic Mandolin Repertoire

Avital's concert repertoire was a rich tapestry weaving together the intricate patterns of Bach fugues, the lively spirit of Balkan rhythms, and the mythological homage to Afro-Brazilian deities. The program served not only as an artistic exploration but also as a tribute to the mandolin being named Germany's instrument of the year in 2023.

Expanding the Mandolin's Classical Horizons

Avital, born in 1978, has dedicated his career to expanding the classical canon for the mandolin. His mission is compounded by the commission of over 100 contemporary works, ensuring a legacy within the classical new music scene. His efforts bring forth compositions like Giovanni Sollima’s prelude tailored to Avital's virtuosity, as well as Colin Jacobsen’s “Time and Again”, a piece symbiotically fusing classical form with Balkan inspirations, specifically designed for the combination of mandolin and string quartet.

Globetrotting Through Musical Genres

The 2023 Beethoven Festival concert spanned the globe with eclectic compositions like Clarice Assad’s “Obrigado”, which celebrates Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, to Caroline Shaw’s “Entr'acte” which draws inspiration from the classical works of Haydn. As the mandolin danced through centuries-old classics and premiered fresh, innovative works, the collaboration between Avi Avital and Brooklyn Rider set the stage for a timeless dialogue between the old and the new.

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