Natalia Pschenitschnikova
A.E.I.O.U. (2024)
Conceptual cantata for seven voices a cappella
Photo: steirischer herbst / Dietmar Reinbacher
“A.E.I.O.U.” is a motto coined by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor between 1452 and 1493, symbolizing Austria’s rise to power. Though its actual meaning remains unknown, it is often interpreted as “Austriae est imperare orbi universo,” that is, “All the world is subject to Austria.” It is with this grand thought that vowels are still sometimes taught in Austrian primary school.
Composer and experimental musician Natalia Pschenitschnikova departs from this mysterious abbreviation in her new phonetic-political performance for the festival opening. Joined by six other major experimental vocalists, she explores the many mysterious letter sequences of today—political, economic, and otherwise. In solos and choruses, the ensemble presents and dissects these sounds, questioning their relation to power and their own enigmatic authority.
Natalia Pschenitschnikova (1960, Moscow, Russia) is a musician and artist. In addition to her activities as a soloist and chamber musician, she works as a performer, composer, singer, and flutist in various theater and dance projects. Her performances frequently cross the boundaries between music, theater, and the visual arts, creating immersive and multisensory experiences. Pschenitschnikova has participated in numerous international festivals such as the Venice Biennale, Donaueschinger Musiktage, Wien Modern, and MaerzMusik, Berlin. She lives in Berlin.
Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ’24
With the kind support of the German Embassy Vienna and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Vienna
19.9., 17:00
Lesliehof (entry via Joanneumsviertel)
8010 Graz
Free admission
Duration: ca. 25 min.
Music, libretto, costumes: Natalia Pschenitschnikova
With: Frauke Aulbert, Anna Clementi, Lorena Izquierdo, Christian Kesten, Alexey Kokhanov, Natalia Pschenitschnikova, Ute Wassermann
Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ’24
With the kind support of the German Embassy Vienna and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Vienna