A.E.I.O.U.  (Performance)

Komposition: Natalia Pschenitschnikova

Performer:innen: Lorena Izquierdo Aparicio, Frauke Aulbert, Anna Clementi, Christian Kesten, Alexey Kokhanov, Natalia Pschenitschnikova, Ute Wassermann

“A.E.I.O.U.” is a motto coined by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor between 1452 and 1493, symbolizing Austria’s rise to power. Though its actual meaning remains unknown, it is often interpreted as “Austriae est imperare orbi universo,” that is, “All the world is subject to Austria.” It is with this grand thought that vowels are still sometimes taught in Austrian primary school.

Composer and experimental musician Natalia Pschenitschnikova departs from this mysterious abbreviation in her new phonetic-political performance for the festival opening. Joined by six other major experimental vocalists, she explores the many mysterious letter sequences of today—political, economic, and otherwise. In solos and choruses, the ensemble presents and dissects these sounds, questioning their relation to power and their own enigmatic authority.