Berg Orchestra’s “WhatsPop” Premiere: A Fusion of Classical, Pop, and Performance Art

Prague’s Berg Orchestra is set to launch its latest season with the Czech premiere of “WhatsPop,” a novel musical collage by French composer Aurélien Dumont. The performance, scheduled for Monday evening at DOX+, will feature soprano Pavla Radostová alongside a small ensemble incorporating electric guitar, trumpet, and bass clarinet. The concert promises a unique experience, blending classical music with elements of pop and experimental rock, and incorporating live interviews and theatrical elements.

A Collage of Cultural References

Dumont’s composition draws inspiration from a book of essays on pop culture, weaving in allusions to works like Philip K. Dick’s novel, William Shakespeare’s sonnets, and the television series Dollhouse, as noted by ensemble director Eva Kesslová. The performance will also include a live interview with music journalist Pavle Klusák, further exploring the themes of pop culture.

Radostová’s Demanding Role

Soprano Pavla Radostová faces a particularly challenging role, requiring not only vocal precision with micro-interval passages and complex rhythms but also incorporating physical acting elements. She will be directed by the composer to interact with props such as a toaster, hair dryer, and beer bottle while singing. Kesslová describes the piece as “incredibly sophisticated, but at the same time very fun, accessible and musically quite simple compared to what we normally play.”

Berg Orchestra: A Quarter-Century of Contemporary Music

The Berg Orchestra, celebrating its 25th season, is a leading Czech ensemble dedicated to contemporary music. The orchestra presents eight new projects annually, focusing on works often absent from traditional orchestral programs. Music critic Boris Klepal highlights Berg’s commitment to challenging compositions and its ability to cultivate a loyal audience despite its unconventional repertoire.

Non-Traditional Spaces and Formats

Berg is known for performing in unconventional venues, including Prague’s Roxy club, a cave on Bradlo hill, and even the Petřiny metro station during construction. This season, the orchestra returns to the former wastewater treatment plant in Bubenč. Kesslová explains that these spaces aim to create a more receptive atmosphere for new music and challenge traditional concert-going habits.

The orchestra also experiments with concert formats, such as “sound walks” and “Hear it twice,” where a piece is performed, discussed, and then replayed. These innovative approaches aim to deepen audience engagement with contemporary music.

A Commitment to New Works

Since its inception, Berg has commissioned and premiered over 300 works, primarily by young creators. The orchestra has supported composers like Ondřej Adámek and Miroslav Srnka early in their careers, before they achieved international recognition. This season, Berg will introduce premieres by Marek Keprt, Jana Vöröšová, Ondřej Štochl, Patrik Herman, and Adrián Demoč, alongside works by international composers such as Salvatore Sciarrino, Agata Zubel, Clara Iannotta, and Justė Janulytė.

Challenges and Funding

Despite its artistic success, Berg faces financial challenges. The orchestra’s annual budget of approximately four million crowns is funded through ticket sales, private donations, and public resources from the Ministry of Culture and the Prague Municipality. Kesslová expresses concern about potential cuts to cultural funding and the precarious financial situation of independent artists in the Czech Republic.

A Collaborative Spirit

Founded in 1995 by Peter Vrábel, the Berg Orchestra has evolved from a student experiment into a leading force in Czech contemporary music. The ensemble collaborates with a core group of musicians, including violinists Anna Romanovská and David Danel, violist Kateřina Lískovcová, and cellist Balázs Adorján. Berg also frequently features composers performing on instruments alongside the orchestra.