Thoughts behind the Athens shows
For the Athens Concert Hall, I chose two works for both the public and specialists – Tchaikovsky’s «Pathetique» [Symphony No 6 in B minor, Op 74] and Giya Kancheli’s «Styx.» «Pathetique» is connected with personal memories and an old promise to a close friend that, one day, I’d conduct it in Greece… We searched for Tchaikovsky’s revised score and use period instruments, without vibrato. It’s a very different approach that’s tremendously interesting… I collaborated with [viola player] Yuri Basmet for the fabulous «Styx,» which my friend Kancheli wants us to record for ECM. The second performance, at Pireos 260, is closer to what we do at the Territoria festival…
