Hans Huyssen's project is utopic and could well have emerged from an alternative ending of the Aeneid: the composer, who was commissioned by the Deutsche Welle to write the Proteus Variations for the Beethoven Festival last year, asks himself and us, what would have happened if Aeneas had remained in Africa. Would we today have deeper roots in Africa? Would it have given rise to a more realistic dialogue between Europe and Africa? He uses African, European and other pieces of music in order to demonstrate stylistic differences and the mutual influence of the two continents.

We will hear not only Hans Huyssen and his ensemble with their Baroque instruments, but also the legendary South African musician Madosini Manqina Latozi with her traditional African instruments. The Ensemble will follow historical impulses, but will at the same time interact with Madosini's playing and also interpret African musical themes.