“Music is my life. Singing, playing, listening – breathing!” Based on this passionate statement, the documentary Saimir Pirgu – My Truth in Music follows the key moments of Albanian-Italian tenor Saimir Pirgu’s flourishing musical career. It is a journey to the world’s most renowned opera houses – from Salzburg and Vienna to London, Moscow and New York – and at the same time gives insight into the hidden chambers of the art of singing. What really happens in the inner mind of an artist? How is great talent discovered and nurtured? The storyline follows Saimir Pirgu’s personal reminiscences, replenished with live performances and intimate backstage moments. It depicts his work with grand maestros like Abbado, Harnoncourt, Muti and Jansons, and features interviews with top names of the contemporary music world: James Conlon, Paolo Gavazzeni, Dominique Meyer, Ferzan Ozpetek and Nicoletta Pavarotti.
Arnold Schönberg – Who I am
The documentary “Arnold Schönberg – Who I am” shows the numerous faces of a genius: the composer, the painter, the father and the human Arnold Schönberg. Leading through the documentary is Nuria Schoenberg Nono, the daughter of the great Viennese composer, who together with Daniel Barenboim, worldwide famous interpreter and supporter of Schönberg’s music, embarks on a journey to discover one of the most prominent and controversial musical figures of the 20th century. With the help of musicologist Hartmut Krones and Therese Muxeneder, head of archive of the Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna, they paint an intriguing picture of an often misunderstood musician, who was despised at the time, but is now regarded as a pioneer of today’s music.
The LA Phil at 100
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is turning 100 and throwing an epic party – the orchestra marks the milestone with public celebrations, education and social-impact initiatives, showcasing and honoring the diversity of Los Angeles. The anniversary documentary portrays the LA Phil and it’s continual creative reinvention on the occasion of this jubilee. The documentary includes a historical part to trace the steps that played a part in where the orchestra stands today, shows the orchestra and Gustavo Dudamel at rehearsals and concerts, captures the work with YOLA and the collaboration with artists like Herbie Hancock and John Williams.
When the evening and morning meet – A Journey into the Music of the Baltic
Not only is the beauty of the Baltic region stunning, it also offers a varied music scene. The film “When the evening and morning meet” embarks on a fascinating journey through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. With their knowledge and charm, musicians of diverse styles show the similarities and differences of their musical culture, guiding the viewer by land and sea from the major cities to the musical province and presenting the eventful history of the Baltic States. The result is a multifaceted and entertaining portrait of three small countries with huge musical potential.
Magic Moments of Music – Berlin Wall Concert
This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. The Berlin Philharmonic’s legendary Berlin Wall Concert under the baton of Daniel Barenboim in November 1989. To get in, East German citizens just had to show their identity cards. Queuing started outside the Philharmonie at five in the morning, many spent the night on the parking lot in their Trabi cars. Interviews e.g. with Daniel Barenboim, Walter Momper
Magic Moments of Music – Horowitz in Moscow
This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. Horowitz in Moscow – after 60 years absence from Russia, the pianist returned to his home country for the first time. Interviews with Peter Gelb, Martha Argerich, Daniil Trifonov and Sophie Pacini.
Magic Moments of Music – Anne-Sophie Mutter and Herbert von Karajan
This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. Anne-Sophie Mutter’s and Herbert von Karajan’s version of the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Interviews with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lisa Batiashvili, Robin Ticciati, Wilfried Strehle
The Unanswered Ives
The first film about the most famous “weekend composer”: Charles Ives. As a teenager, he composes dance melodies as well as church hymns, becoming the youngest organist of all Connecticut at age 14. As a natural talent in sports, he is appointed captain of the football team at the elite Yale University before the former music student becomes the most successful life insurer in the United States. Charles Ives (1874-1954) is perhaps the most famous “weekend composer” of musical history – and is regarded today as the first composer of the modern age in America. The Unanswered Ives is the first film about Charles Ives and a profound exploration of this extraordinary, multi-faceted personality. The documentary shed light on Ives’ life and work in all its facets and inconsistencies.
For the Love of Music in Georgia – The Paliashvili Music School in Tbilisi
The Georgian Republic: An orthodox multi-ethnic mix in the wild Caucasus, the borderland between the East and West. The Paliashvili Music School for gifted children is located on a hill above the capital city of Tbilisi. The plaster is crumbling, and the stairs are riddled with holes. Hardly any instrument can be tuned anymore, and many teachers are so old that they could be the great-grandparents of their students. Those who are allowed to step through the battered main entrance after the strict entrance examination do so with pride because former Paliashvili students regularly conquer the world’s stages. The violinist Lisa Batiashvili and pianist Khatia Buniatishvili were taught here. The children dream of such a success, their parents all the more so. An observant and character-based documentary about a magical place. A film about growing up and aging, about farewells and new beginnings, about great dreams and the art of improvisation.
Caballé – Beyond Music
A complex and passionate portrait of a woman who can only be described as a myth. A documentary feature film about one of the most important voices in history. The film makes us re-live, through an intimate story told in first person by the artist, the most important musical, personal and emotional moments of such a long and passionate life. It accompanies Montserrat Caballé on a trip through the most significant cities, historical performances and audio recordings of her life, including testimonies of those who, through a professional or personal relationship, can help us understanding Montserrat, the person and Caballé, the diva.