Acoustic performance
Kino Šiška, Ljubljana
Broadcast live on May 20 2020 by TV Slovenia and Val 202
Streamed live by www.rtvslo.si and Kino Šiška

Dear Fellow Passengers,

Although the world outside our window looks unchanged, our reality has been irrevocably and fundamentally upended. Hugging and kissing are now extreme sports. Handshakes are headed for extinction. Giving the elderly a wide berth is now a way to show consideration.

Until just a few months ago, the politicians were assuring us: “There is no alternative.” Today, they tell us: “Nothing will ever be the same again,” as they are busy implementing drastic measures. Stranger still, those of us who have always longed for a calmer, kinder world are now experiencing withdrawal pangs and a surprising yearning to get back to the world we did our best to leave behind.

There is a new fragrance in the air we breathe and the stars shine with a stronger light. Even the old songs sound different – new meanings sprout up between the words, and the music strums a different set of heartstrings.

So join us in commemorating the turbulent launch of a new world. Let us celebrate its promise and remember the perils of this extraordinary time, which is no less inspiring than it is terrifying, for it is now clearer than ever that anything is possible.

Iz novega sveta—Koncert za nabito prazno dvorano (From the New World—Concert for a packed empty auditorium), one of Silence’s most prominent performances, focused on the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

The acoustic performance included a handful of guests. Accordionist Nejc Poljanec and ukuleleist Gal Golob performed an instrumental version of Electricity. By wearing smokings and gas masks, Poljanec and Golob brought to life the cover of Musical Accompaniment for the End of the World, Silence’s 4th studio album. Silence’s rendition of Hunger featured dancers Nastja Bremec Rynia and Michał Rynia. Dressed as medical workers, the dancers illustrated the subtle art of practicing intimacy in the age of social distancing. The closing track—a fusion of Capri and the 4th movement of Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony—was performed by Silence’s long-time collaborator, pianist Igor Vićentić, who appeared as a police officer in full riot gear.

The performance was met with acclaim. Miroslav Akrapović (SIGIC) noted: When listening to the interweaving of Primož Hladnik’s piano and Boris Benko’s weightless singing, one experiences emotions. It is irrelevant whether these feelings are marked by sadness or joy, tears or laughter. The duet’s creation for piano and voice is a special artwork. In the packed empty auditorium, the songs sounded as mounumental musical creations.

01 Electricity / Intro
02 Death is New York
03 Fears
04 Kisik
05 Talkshow
06 The 5th Elephant
07 I'm a Memory
08 Mr. Goodwrong
09 V spominu tistemu, kar se še ni zgodilo
10 Hunger
11 The True Nature of Happiness
12 Vihar, vihar / Electricity
13 Heart of Darkness
14 Strange in a Strange Way - Disco Politico
15 Capri / From the New World