The Composer Jan Urban – an Homage
The composer Jan Urban, born in Prague in 1875, spent most of his life among the South Slav regions, initially in the Kingdom of Serbia, after 1918 in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and from 1929 until its occupation by the Nazis in 1941 in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The declaration of the fascist-run Independent State of Croatia found Urban fleeing the country and returning to Serbia. His best friend, the Jewish conductor Lav Mirsky, together with whom he paved the way for modern Opera and symphonic musical life in Osijek, was deported. Among Jan Urban’s compositions celebrating the Resistance to the Nazis we find Sutjeska and Death of the Hero (Elegy).
Biljana Urban, well-known pianist and granddaughter of Jan Urban, has been advocating for the rediscovery of her grandfather’s works for many years. Her latest project in cooperation with the Exilarte Center at the mdw, which she will present at the Franz Liszt Hall of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna on March 8 & 9, 2022, involves young students from Austria, Serbia, Croatia , Spain and the Netherlands. During the process of preparing for a piano competition the young musicians have thoroughly studied Jan Urban’s oeuvre which they will present in a concert on March 9, 2022. The students will receive additional intensive preparation taking master classes with Biljana Urban.
Biljana Urban will perform works by Jan Urban and Hans Gál in a concert together with singer Annette Fischer and flutist Ulrike Anton on March 8, 2022.
The estate of Jan Urban is located in the archive of the Exilarte Center at the mdw.
Concert with works by Jan Urban and Hans Gál
Biljana Urban, piano
Annette Fischer, soprano
Ulrike Anton, flute
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
2G ( vaccinated or recovered) applies!
University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Lothringerstrasse 18
Franz Liszt Hall (3rd floor)
1030 Vienna/ Austria
Free admission
Student Performance
With students from Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Spain and the Netherlands
Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 7 p.m.
2G ( vaccinated or recovered) applies!
University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Lothringerstrasse 18
Franz Liszt Hall (3rd floor)
1030 Vienna/Austria
Free admission
