Animals have been enhancing the daily life of human beings for many, many centuries. Today animal videos on social media get hundreds of thousands of clicks. People proudly film themselves with their animals in all kinds of situations. Pets are people’s companions and give their lives purpose: they help the sick, make us laugh and bring us joy. People all over the world sing their praises – and these songs are what Psalm 2025 is all about.
Arianna Savall’s programme for the opening concert is dedicated to the donkey. The stubborn donkey with its unmelodious cry voice accompanied Jesus of Nazareth thoughout his life, from the stable in Bethlehem to his entry into Jerusalem. It has carried burdens and inspired writers; we go on a journey with the donkey through the cultures of the Orient and the Occident. The Styrian Klezmore Pocket Band follows the flight south of the migratory birds from the Jewish shtetls of East Europe. Animals in the far north of Europe love the freedom that is theirs: Miriam Andersén tells of the bears, polar bears and mythical creatures of her homeland. Holy Thursday and Good Friday focus on Jesus as the Lamb of God with Tenebrae and Stabat Mater. On Easter Sunday, 30 fingers on the piano conjure up an animal Halleluja, and lastly, on Easter Monday, the Walhalla zum Seidlwirt Male Choir sings of the Masked Ball in the Goose Barnfrom the repertoire of the Comedian Harmonists.
How exciting, how diverse, how beautiful are the spaces that Graz and Styria have to offer for musical experiences. From June 19 to July 20, 2025, the Styrian Styriarte Festival will be dedicated to exploring these magnificent spaces under the motto SPACE&SOUND.
