Fyodor Sofronov and the Studio for New Music presented a concert marking the 140th anniversary of Anton Webern and Edgard Varèse

One of the greatest strengths of the ensemble – which has existed for thirty years now yet has not lost its restlessness – remains its portrait concerts. This time there were two such portraits, united under the title “Varèse – Webern: Against a Background of Stars and Deserts”. Varèse, who wrote mostly for large forces, posed a particular challenge in putting the programme together. Webern was easier in this respect: his music is for the most part chamber music.