project parallel truths

Project Parallel Truths is an intensely emotional and audiovisual experience that uses specially selected and edited footage from the NSDAP propaganda film ‘Triumph des Willens’ (1935, by Leni Riefenstahl) combined with music by Shostakovich and Korngold.

Both composers wrote a string quartet in which they processed their suffering from the Second World War (Korngold: String Quartet No.3 in D major, Opus 35 and Shostakovich: String Quartet No.8 in C minor, Opus 110). In this way, the music acts as a protest against the imagery presented by Riefenstahl and symbolises contemporary awareness. The music will be performed by the renowned Alma Quartet, whose musicians are all members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Before the concert Project Parallel Truths, a short introductory documentary will be shown, in which filmmaker Jessica Gorter explains the dangers of propaganda and violinist/composer Kilian van Rooij discusses the musical themes within the compositions.

Project Parallel Truths highlights the theme of propaganda and the dangers of false or one-sided information. The aim is to show, hear, and feel how crucial it is to examine information, stories, and news from all perspectives. At a time when everyone has access to an endless stream of information via social media and polarisation is becoming more extreme, this is more relevant than ever.