Festival Imago Dei

Klangraum Krems [ENA] Festival Imago Dei is a festival celebrating freedom through the timeless echoes of music. In the heart of Krems, amidst the sacred walls of the Minoritenkirche, now transformed into the enchanting Klangraum Krems, a celebration of unparalleled artistic grandeur unfolds. From March 9th to April 1st, 2024, Nadja Kayali, the visionary curator, presents her third and final installment of the Imago Dei Festival.

This extraordinary event promises not only a feast for the senses but also a profound exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of personal and political liberation. The Minoritenkirche, steeped in history and reborn as the Klangraum Krems, serves as the perfect backdrop for this transcendent journey through music and literature. Within its hallowed halls, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the essence of freedom, to contemplate its significance, and to revel in its boundless possibilities.

Central to the festival's offerings is the "Musical Day in Krems" on March 16th, a multi-faceted extravaganza dedicated to the exploration of inner freedom. Kicking off in the early afternoon, the Imago Dei series "Zwischentöne Polen" continues with a poignant conversation-concert led by the esteemed pianist and music scholar, Kolja Lessing. Lessing delves into the life and works of Ignace Strasfogel, a composer who fled the clutches of Nazi oppression to find refuge in New York, where he soared to fame as a conductor at the Metropolitan Opera. This tribute serves as a poignant reminder of music's power to emancipate the soul in the face of adversity.

Following this soul-stirring discourse, the stage is set ablaze by the award-winning Eliot Quartett, a beacon of promise among the contemporary string quartets. Their performance, a homage to the great proponents of musical liberation, features masterpieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Witold Lutosławski, and Dmitri Shostakovich. As the quartet breathes life into Beethoven's monumental "Große Fuge B-Dur op. 133," Lutosławski's evocative "Streichquartett," and Shostakovich's stirring "Streichquartett Nr. 3 F-Dur op. 73," audiences are transported through the annals of time, bearing witness to the transformative power of artistic expression.

However, the festival offers more than mere auditory delights. In a stroke of inspired programming, Imago Dei collaborates with the Köchelgesellschaft Krems to organize an enriching excursion to the hallowed grounds of Gneixendorf, a significant site in the life of Ludwig van Beethoven. This pilgrimage allows attendees to walk in the footsteps of the maestro, gaining unprecedented insight into the life and legacy of one of history's greatest musical visionaries.

At the heart of this sonic marvel lies the Eliot Quartett, comprising the virtuosic talents of Maryana Osipova and Alexander Sachs on violin, Dmitry Hahalin on viola, and Michael Preuss on violoncello. Their mastery of their craft, coupled with an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence, elevates each performance to transcendental heights, leaving audiences spellbound and enriched.

As the final notes reverberate through the hallowed halls of the Klangraum Krems, one cannot help but reflect on the profound significance of this festival. Through the lens of music and literature, Nadja Kayali has crafted a platform for introspection, dialogue, and celebration—a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression in fostering understanding and forging connections. The Imago Dei Festival "Freedom" stands as a beacon of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty, reminding us all of the transformative potential inherent in the pursuit of liberty.

In conclusion, the Imago Dei Festival "Freedom" is not merely an event—it is a journey of the soul, a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite hearts. Under Nadja Kayali's inspired leadership, this festival has blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the life of Beethoven and a meticulously curated program that showcases the very best in contemporary music and literature. As we bid farewell to this unforgettable experience, let us carry its message of freedom, unity, and creativity into the world, igniting a spark of inspiration in all who encounter its resplendent glory.