John Cage's starting point for "Atlas Eclipticalis" (1961/62) was the star atlas of the same name by Czech astrologer Antonín Bečvář from 1950, whose star charts he translated into sound. Cage's composition remains as incomprehensible as the universe, with the infinite possibilities for shaping the musical material arising anew with each performance. - Erik Satie's piano cycles "Gymnopédies" (1888) and "Gnossiennes" (1889-1897) are among the French avant-gardist's most famous works and will be performed this evening in an arrangement for viola, violoncello and double bass by Klaus-Peter Werani.

The concert accompanies the exhibition "Five Friends. John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly".