Romanticism Unbound

CONCERT PROGRAM

Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100 (Brahms, J.)
Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20 (Chopin, F.)
Dance from the Ballet Harnasie, Op. 55 (Karol Szymanowski, K.)
Violin Sonata No.2 in D Minor, Op. 121 (Schumann, R.)

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Romanticism Unbound explores Romanticism as a musical language that refuses to remain confined to a particular period or style. Romantic fascination, at its heart, brings personal experience, emotion, imagination, identity, and the freedom to express an inner world.

This concert programme brings together composers who approached these ideas from very different perspectives—from the intimate and deeply personal language of Brahms and Schumann, through Chopin’s poetic virtuosity, to Szymanowski’s exploration of Polish identity, rhythm, and colour.

Romanticism Unbound is a programme about humanity itself: about the uniqueness of individual experience and music’s ability to give shape and voice to what it means to be human - free and unbound.

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Founded in 2019, Duo Sarasvathi–Nowak brings together Indonesian pianist Victoria Audrey Sarasvathi and Polish violinist Sebastian Nowak. Winners of the European Chamber Music Competition Karlsruhe, the duo is united by a shared passion for chamber music and has established an international reputation through its artistic excellence and compelling musical partnership.

The duo has won first prizes at prestigious competitions, including the Cosima Wagner International Chamber Music Competition in Bellagio and the Harald Genzmer Interpretation Competition in Munich. They are also laureates of international chamber music competitions in Vilnius (Lithuania), Baza (Spain), and Jyväskylä (Finland), where they performed W. A. Mozart’s Concerto for Violin and Piano with the Jyväskylä Sinfonia.

Duo Sarasvathi–Nowak performs regularly throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa and has appeared at renowned festivals including the Festival di Bellagio e del Lago di Como, The Grand Festival Jakarta, the Eurasia Festival Hannover, the Young Masters Festival Langenargen, and the chamber music series of the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Frankfurt am Main. Their performances are distinguished by an exceptionally refined musical dialogue, expressive depth, and stylistic versatility.