Young Lied Duos Hone Skills at MIND Project in Perleberg

A demanding musical challenge is underway in Perleberg, Germany, as nine young song duos from Germany, France, and Slovenia participate in an intensive week-long workshop. The programme, called “MIND,” aims to foster both the musical and personal growth of these emerging artists, offering a unique opportunity for cross-cultural collaboration and skill development.

A Focus on Artistic Development

The “MIND” project, funded by the European Union, provides a platform for these young musicians to refine their craft. Operatic and song performer Johannes Held is guiding the duos, focusing on elements beyond traditional vocal training. Participants are also working on stage presence, mental fortitude, and self-management – skills often overlooked in classical music education, according to instructor Nejc Lavrencic.

Did You Know? The “MIND” project consists of three working weeks, one in each of the participating countries: Slovenia, Germany, and France.

Exploring the Repertoire of the Night

Currently, the workshops are taking place in various locations throughout Perleberg, including the Judenhof and the Lotte-Lehmann-Akademie. Among the participants are Manca Kumar, a 27-year-old Slovenian soprano, and Joachim Besse, a 25-year-old French pianist. The duo, who met while studying in Geneva and are currently completing master’s degrees at the Sibelius-Akademie in Helsinki, are focusing their efforts on songs centered around the theme of night, drawing from composers like Lili Boulanger (1893-1918), Alban Berg (1885-1935), and Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979).

Creative Freedom and Artistic Expression

Kumar explains that “MIND” offers a level of creative freedom not always found in traditional music studies, where repertoire choices are often prescribed. She and Besse were drawn to the programme because of the opportunity to pursue their own artistic vision. For Kumar, the Lied genre offers a unique opportunity for personal expression, allowing her to embody her own emotions rather than a character, as she does in opera. Besse adds that the collaborative nature of the duo format is a significant benefit.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on skills like stage presence and self-management highlights a growing recognition within the classical music world of the need to prepare artists for the multifaceted demands of a professional career, extending beyond purely technical proficiency.

Public Performance Planned

The culmination of the week-long workshop will be a public concert on February 14th at 7:00 PM in the auditorium of the Gottfried-Arnold-Gymnasium in Perleberg (Puschkinstraße 13). Admission is free, offering the community a chance to experience the work of these emerging musical talents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “MIND” project?

“MIND” is a European Union-funded youth exchange project designed to support the personal and musical development of young song duos from Germany, France, and Slovenia.

Where is the workshop taking place?

The workshop is being held in Perleberg, Germany, with sessions taking place in locations such as the Judenhof, the Ristorante “L’Italiano,” and the Lotte-Lehmann-Akademie.

What kind of music are the participants working on?

The duos are working on songs centered around the theme of night, selecting pieces from composers including Lili Boulanger, Alban Berg, and Rebecca Clarke.

As these young musicians prepare to share their work with the public, what role do you believe international collaborations play in shaping the future of classical music?