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In the vestibule, you find the sculpture ‘Silent Psalm’ by composer, pianist and artist Lera Auerbach, to whom the Konzerthaus Berlin is dedicating an ‘Creative Portrait’ during the 2024/25 season.
At listening stations, you can also listen to podcasts by 11th graders from Neukölln's Albrecht-Dürer Gymnasium, who have immersed themselves into Lera Auerbach's Symphony No. 6 ‘Vessels of Light’ as part of an education project.
This symphony forms a symbiosis with ‘Silent Psalm’ and will be performed by Konzerthaus Berlin under the direction of Joana Mallwitz on November 17 during the festival.
As part of the Lera Auerbach Artist in Residence at Konzerthaus Berlin 2024/25 season, the sculpture Silent Psalm has been exhibited at the Konzerthaus’ foyer during the premiere of Auerbach’s Symphony “Vessels of Light” at the 70th-anniversary celebration for Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem.
From the Konzerthaus Program:
The artist about her work: “Created in symbiosis with her Symphony No. 6 “Vessels of Light,” “Silent Psalm” explores the convergence of mystical Jewish concepts—Shevirat HaKelim (Breakage of the Vessels) and Tikun Olam (Repairing of the World)—with Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken objects, translating to “join with gold.” This artistic and philosophical exploration transcends cultural boundaries, revealing the inherent resilience in narratives of breakage and repair.
In “Silent Psalm,” the musical material of Psalm 121 is deliberately shattered, allowing its fragments to permeate the symphony—a symbolic act echoing the cosmic cataclysm in Shevirat HaKelim. The ten vessels (Hebrew sefirot), symbolizing the harmony of the universe, were intended to capture the light of creation, yet unable to contain its power, the seven lower vessels shattered. This breaking of the vessels is interpreted as a symbol for a world in a state of disharmony. Simultaneously, Auerbach integrates Kintsugi, emphasizing the beauty of transcending imperfection by highlighting breakage.
“Silent Psalm” materializes as a visual metaphor. The bronze musical score, engraved with Psalm 121, stands shattered and reconstructed. This mirrors profound spiritual reconciliation, where broken vessels become vessels for new, elevated forms.
At the nexus of two distinct yet harmonious philosophies, “Silent Psalm” encapsulates the inevitability of fracture and the transformative potential in embracing brokenness. This intellectual and artistic synthesis prompts contemplation on the universality of resilience and the ethical imperative of Tikun Olam, offering a profound dialogue between Jewish mysticism and the Japanese artistry of Kintsugi. The sculpture stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of these themes, resonating with the continuous process of repair and transformation inherent in our world.”
The installation was made possible by the Althafen Foundation, courtesy of Ilona Oltuski
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