DECEMBER 2021

Initially, it was the beauty of the word "Shibboleth" that inspired multimedia composer Aigerim Seilova to conduct further research. She became more and more fascinated by its history and meaning and so the idea of a multimedia opera on this subject was born.
According to Wikipedia, "Shibboleth is a custom or tradition, usually a particular phrase or even a single word, that distinguishes one group of people from another. It has been used as an identifier in many different societies throughout history."

In a team with dramaturge Jari Niesner (libretto) and video artist Janina Luckow, Aigerim has created a work in which the concepts of virtuality, authentication, password, self-definition and freedom are explored. Musically, she draws on a wide and heterogeneous range of sources. From baroque allusions to techno, everything that evokes the desired expression is used here.

The opera will be performed in English. [Premiere is on 2.12. (https://www.hfmt-hamburg.de/veranstaltungen/details/9256/), further performances on 4 and 5.12.

This is where we shape and hone, work and create, reflect and perfect - tailored to the needs of a single person at this very moment: one-to-one artistic tuition with the main subject teacher is the heart of instrumental and vocal training at any music academy.
For students of other disciplines such as law, German studies, computer science and so on, who cavort in large lecture halls, this is perhaps a marvelous and completely luxurious phenomenon.

In our profession, it is a basic prerequisite for successful development: on the basis of immense trust and intensive exchange, these lessons offer inspiration and guidance week after week for the practice and progress of the soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians of tomorrow.

In keeping with tradition, we show the fruits of this work at our studio concerts, in which the teachers' classes present the current state of their skills. In December, a total of 15 studio concerts are on the program, all of which we warmly recommend.

When, on the Friday before the 4th Sunday of Advent, only the “best of the best” among young opera singers demonstrate their vocal brilliance and dramatic charisma, the pre-Christmas glow and festive spirit take hold at the HfMT.

And the “best” themselves can hardly wait: Maksymilian Skiba will sing the aria “Kto z mych dziewek serce której” (Which of my daughters wishes to marry in virtue and honor) sung by the Marshal from Stanisław Moniuszko’s *The Ghost Castle*. “It’s probably the most popular baritone aria in Poland. It tells us what a true and just person should be like. It’s also meant to strengthen moral values. I’m very happy that I get to sing this aria and, in doing so, promote Polish music.” Andrezza Reis from Brazil is filled with joy: “All my colleagues are very talented singers, and it’s wonderful to make music with them. There are also two Brazilian friends of mine—Vicente and Luiza—in the master’s program, which of course creates a special connection!” Bass Oscar Marin-Reyes is focusing on works by the composers Mozart, de Falla, and Verdi: “All three composers had a particularly formative influence on the history of music—so as a performer, I feel a great sense of responsibility. These three pieces are very close to my heart, and I enjoy immersing myself in all their different moods and characters.”

It really makes you want to dive right in…
Be sure to secure your seats for December 17— preferably today.

Have you already read the latest issue of our university newspaper ZWOELF? As the weather is now increasingly advising us to head for the sofa, warm socks, a steaming cup of tea and a cozy atmosphere, we recommend the perfect mental nourishment from the HfMT.

Similar to the studio concerts, this issue focuses on the topic of "processes" and is dedicated to all the processes that precede their final works and which often remain hidden, although in our view they are at least as interesting and valuable as the final products.

The newspaper can be read online here or delivered free of charge if you send an e-mail with your address to redaktion.zwoelf@hfmt-hamburg.de.