Music can bring very different periods into the same listening experience when the works are chosen around a meaningful artistic idea. This is especially relevant when early music meets contemporary composition, as the two traditions can reveal unexpected similarities and contrasts. For audiences, such performances can offer a different way to discover familiar and unfamiliar sounds. The connection between centuries does not have to feel distant when the music is presented through a clear artistic perspective.

Iris Lichtinger brings this approach to Music Curation, connecting historical repertoire with contemporary music through carefully developed concert concepts. One example is ANIMA – Stream of Life, where 14th-century Catalan music from the Llibre Vermell appears alongside works by Louis Andriessen, Arturo Fuentes and Péter Köszeghy. The performance reflects her interest in placing music from different periods together and allowing audiences to experience the contrast, continuity and character within each musical tradition.

In ANIMA – Stream of Life, Iris Lichtinger brings medieval and contemporary works into the same artistic setting without treating them as separate worlds. The 14th-century music of the Llibre Vermell carries a distinct historical character, while the contemporary compositions offer very different approaches to sound and musical expression. Her role as a musician and artistic director gives this work a direct connection to performance, allowing the musical choices to serve the experience of the listeners.

Her work as a musician also have a broader artistic practice that includes early music, contemporary composition and interdisciplinary performance. Iris Lichtinger gives each project its own musical identity, considering how repertoire, performers and ideas can come together for an audience. This perspective is central to her as a music curator, where historical material can meet newer forms of musical expression while retaining the character of each work and giving listeners an opportunity to discover different musical perspectives.

For audiences and cultural organisations looking for thoughtful musical experiences, Iris Lichtinger offers an artistic practice shaped by performance, curation and direction. Her work shows how music from distant periods can be brought together without losing its individual character. To explore her artistic work, performances and current projects, visit https://irislichtinger.com/.