Concerts with works by

Ethel Smyth

Hamburger Camerata / Gábor Hontvári

Double concertos for two solo instruments take the usual »concertante two-dimensionality« to »3D«, so to speak: in addition to the juxtaposition of solo and orchestra, there is also the relationship between the two solo parts to consider. And one is often inclined to imagine the latter as a role play: Are we witnessing a liaison or an argument between the two protagonists? True to its motto for the season, the Hamburg Camerata presents two such »3D concertante« works in this programme: in his piece for violin, cello and orchestra, the French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns actually had the image of a muse in mind who ensnares a poet and frees him from his melancholy. It is not known whether the British contemporary Ethel Smyth had something similar in mind for her unusual double concerto for violin and horn. But the pioneer of the English women’s movement was certainly controversial. In contrast, Francis Poulenc saw his »Sinfonietta« from 1947 as more of a pleasure than a serious contribution to the time-honoured symphonic genre, in which the united »concertante camerata« breaks out into countless stylistic dimensions at the end.

Ethel Smyth – Stolt och upprorisk

During the Pride Festival in summer 2024, the English composer Ethel Smyth was celebrated with chamber music and readings. The show was a success and is now presented again – on International Women’s Day.Composer Ethel Smyth was a strong personality who stood out in Victorian England. She was openly lesbian and one of the leaders in the suffragette movement, which fought for women's suffrage, the right to vote in parliamentary and general elections. Ethel Smyth was appointed Dame of the British Empire in 1922, becoming the first female composer to receive such an honour. Smyth was also an author and wrote several books. There will also be readings from her entertaining memoirs.Readings from Ethel Smyth’s entertaining memoirs are combined with songs and instrumental music. Among others, we will hear musicians from the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra together with alto Susanna Sundberg, who has appeared on many of the country's opera stages.The script is written by Sophie Helsing, playwright and dramaturge.

Festkonzert zum internationalen Weltfrauentag

Is it still necessary to talk about the role of women in society, work, and music? Absolutely! While gender equality is law, it's not yet reality everywhere. International Women's Day, celebrated since 1911 and officially recognized by the UN for 50 years, provides an excellent opportunity to discuss this. The Bremen Philharmonic dedicates itself to this topic in word and sound.

50 Jahre Weltfrauentag

Must we still talk about it? About the role of women in society, at work and in music? Absolutely! Equality between men and women may be the law, but not yet the reality everywhere. There is hardly a better opportunity to talk about it than on International Women's Day. The Bremen Philharmonic dedicates itself to the topic with Konstantia Gourzi, one of today's most distinguished conductors and composers, who will discuss the self-image, importance, and visibility of women in music with director Guido Gärtner and conductor Hansjörg Albrecht.

CD Release Concert

Espresso-Konzert mit dem Konzerthausorchester Berlin

At our espresso concerts in the early afternoon, we serve two kinds of caffeine - in cups and, of course, musically: outstanding young musicians present surprise programs that really wake you up - in this case on the podium of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin and as a viola soloist!