The Barbican in London played host to a remarkable milestone as celebrated violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter commenced her anniversary tour, marking 50 years since her debut at the Lucerne festival on August 23, 1976. On that momentous occasion, a 13-year-old Mutter, accompanied by her brother Christoph, captivated the audience and swiftly garnered the attention of the legendary Herbert von Karajan.
This auspicious debut heralded a career of immense distinction, marked by over 50 albums, four Grammy Awards, and the premiere of works by titans of 20th-century music, including Krzysztof Penderecki, Henri Dutilleux, Witold Lutosławski, Sofia Gubaidulina, and John Williams. Now, at the age of 62, Mutter honors her half-century on the concert stage with a characteristic flair.
Contrary to expectations of a grand concerto opening her anniversary tour, Mutter presented a thought-provoking program. The somewhat less-than-full Barbican Hall hinted at a potential divergence in audience anticipation. However, those who attended were treated to Mutter in her element as an advocate for contemporary music and emerging talent. Her performance included works by Beethoven and André Previn, alongside the European premiere of Aftab Darvishi’s “Likoo,” a poignant and rhapsodic lament dedicated to women in Iran.
English Translation:
The Barbican, London. Mutter’s anniversary tour opened with a programme featuring Beethoven, André Previn, and – in a testament to her continuous championing of new music – the European premiere of Aftab Darvishi’s “Likoo,” a rhapsodic lament for women under the Iranian regime. On August 23, 1976, a 13-year-old violinist made her debut at the Lucerne festival, with her older brother Christoph at the piano. By the concert’s conclusion, Anne-Sophie Mutter was the toast of the festival, invited to perform for none other than Herbert von Karajan. This marked the beginning of a career that has since seen the release of over 50 albums, four Grammy awards, and collaborations with a “Who’s Who” of 20th-century greats, including Krzysztof Penderecki, Henri Dutilleux, Witold Lutosławski, Sofia Gubaidulina, and John Williams. Now, at 62 years old, Mutter is celebrating 50 years on the concert platform, and she is doing it her way. If anyone anticipated the German star launching her anniversary tour on Saturday night with a major concerto, they would have been disappointed. The Barbican Hall, only somewhat full, suggested that fans might have voted with their feet. Those who took the chance experienced Mutter in activist mode, utilizing her platform not to revisit past triumphs but to champion new music and young artists.