Surely everyone who has listened to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition has wondered about the original visual inspiration for this famous suite. Most of the art by Viktor Hartmann that stirred the composer has been lost, but six extant works can, with some certainty, be linked to various movements. While on the one hand there is a natural curiosity about the initial inspiration, the music has developed a life of its own; its vibrancy so strong that it has inspired countless visions in the minds of listeners, not to mention many colourful orchestrations including the one by Ravel.

ZOFO: Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi. Photo supplied

American-based pianist duo, Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi, known as ZOFO have brought into being a latter-day Pictures at an Exhibition, commissioning fifteen composers from around the world to write a short piece based on an artwork of their choosing. ZOFOMOMA is the result; a continuous 75-minute performance during which the relevant artworks are projected on a large screen. Linking the commissioned movements are 14 promenades by Nakagoshi, each alluding to Mussorgsky’s promenade theme. The idea of promenade is further enhanced by each performer...