The repertoire included two cyclical piano works from the early period of this composer's work – "De passionibus animae" (Große zweistimmige Invention für Klavier in c-Moll, Op. I), in its first performance, and "MI–RE–LA", as well as the work from 2024 "De passionibus animae II" (Requiem), also performed for the first time. The concert program was performed by Montenegrin pianist Bojan Martinović, a full professor at the Music Academy in Cetinje, and an artist recognized for his wide and diverse repertoire that includes classical, contemporary and experimental music.
Composer Aleksandar Perunović said after the concert that the years of youth are probably the most opulent period of creativity, a time in which artistic expression is the most direct and free. Last night, the audience, as he stated, had the opportunity to hear two compositions created during his studies. "Many of these compositions were left aside, unfinished, but in the past few years I had the opportunity to round them off and present them to the audience, so I am pleased that my 'cubs' have seen the light of day. Judging by the reactions of the visitors who congratulated me after the concert, it seemed that a youthful spirit had awakened in them, and I really hope that the audience took away nice impressions," said Perunović.
Pianist Bojan Martinović described the concert program as youthful, with a lot of energy, temperament and sound colors. "A lot of colors, the whole spectrum - it seems to me that Perunović tried to get everything that this instrument can do from the piano, and it can do a lot. We have been collaborating for ten years, and tonight's concert is one of many in a row. When I play my recitals, I really try to affirm Montenegrin music, which is already a common practice with Aleksandar, so we had a nice journey together through the preparation of the material. These are his compositions from his younger days, but he also has works created later, and we are working on presenting them and bringing them closer to the audience," he added.
The project "Young Montenegrin Composers", within which the concert was held, is being implemented in partnership with CANU, the "Miloš Karadaglić" Foundation and Vitlok doo, and with the support of the Organization for the Protection of Music Authors' Rights of Montenegro (PAM CG). The program is dedicated to marking two decades since the restoration of Montenegro's independence and 55 years since the founding of CANU.
CANU Vice President Žarko Mirković pointed out that the second concert of the cycle already hinted at the spectrum of different individualities and authorial qualities of young Montenegrin professional composers, as well as the good reception of their works by the audience.
Vitlok's CEO, Gavrilo Radunović, said that this cycle already confirms the justification of such a concept. "The impression is that the project is gradually gaining strength, bringing together artists, institutions and the public around contemporary Montenegrin creativity. We are glad to be part of this process," said Radunović.
The Miloš Karadaglić Foundation is convinced that Aleksandar Perunović's compositions performed by Bojan Martinović left a strong impression on all those present, who had the opportunity to experience the breadth of expression of an author and a performer. "This project shows that the Montenegrin contemporary music scene has strong potential, and for this reason we are extremely pleased to be able to contribute to its visibility and development," the Foundation said.
The next concert within the "Young Montenegrin Composers" project is planned for Tuesday, April 28, when an author's evening by Marko Kovač will be held.
