Concerts with works by

Francis Poulenc

Concert de midi et demi avec Xinying FU, Samuel BACH, Vincent Pengkung YANG et Zoé HOYBEL

Festival Élite 2025 – Fiona & Chiara ALAIMO

Carlos Ferreira, clarinet

The illustrious circle of »Rising Stars« 2024/25, selected from the great European concert halls, includes clarinettist Carlos Ferreira – although the title of a Rising Star almost seems too small. Solo clarinettist of the Orchestre National de France, prize winner of the famous ARD Music Competition and recipient of the solo artist prize from the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – the Portuguese star is already high in the sky! Ferreira presents a broadly-based programme that he designed together with pianist Pedro Emanuel Pereira. Both of them had already recorded an album together in 2023 and, as a well-functioning duo, carry off the Hamburg audience into the most diverse soundscapes. The spectrum of the evening ranges from the supple elegance of Claude Debussy via the warm melancholy of Johannes Brahms to the charming preposterousness of Francis Poulenc. If that is not enough variety for anyone, they can look forward to brand new music by young Chinese composer Lanqing Ding with the commissioned work for Carlos Ferreira.

Kammermusik der Mendelssohn-Orchesterakademie

Concert de midi et demi avec Xinying FU, Samuel BACH, Vincent Pengkung YANG et Zoé HOYBEL

Hadelich / Piemontesi / Music of the masters from the banks of the Seine

Stars up close! Today, Augustin Hadelich is a world-leading violinist who conquers the world's stages and performs with the best orchestras, including the NOSPR. He returns with a chamber programme, in duo with the versatile piano virtuoso Francesco Piemontesi. Their concert, which will be dominated by French music, is designed in a modern way. There is no shortage of the canon of violin music, represented by Franck's striking, emotional, late Romantic sonata and Debussy's subtle, intimate sonata. They are accompanied by a third, wonderfully melodic sonata by Francis Poulenc. Both predecessors will shine through, as Poulenc's sounds focus their qualities like a lens because our perception changes with the context. Old French music (by de Grigny and Rameau) will indicate the roots of the work of the masters from the Seine banks mentioned above. György Kurtág's handful of short musical gestures, meanwhile, will allow us to pause for a moment to take a fresh look at what we already know. Adam Suprynowicz Concert duration (intermission included): approximately 90 minutes

Chamber Music in the Brahms-Saal

Chorkonzert Ensemble Limewood

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.

Orgel­klänge

Camille Saint-Saëns considered his Symphony No. 3, also known as the "Organ Symphony", his most significant work. While the organ doesn't solely feature as a virtuoso instrument, it complements the orchestra, adding a unique sonic dimension. Similarly, Poulenc's colourful concerto blends sacred and lively fairground sounds. Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphoses" also combine contrasting elements, with his lighthearted approach to Carl Maria von Weber's romanticism meeting modern American musical influences.

Orgel­klänge

Camille Saint-Saëns considered his Symphony No. 3, also known as the "Organ Symphony", his most significant work. While the organ doesn't solely feature as a virtuoso instrument, it complements the orchestra, adding a unique sonic dimension. Similarly, Poulenc's colourful concerto blends sacred and lively fairground sounds. Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphoses" also combine contrasting elements, with his lighthearted approach to Carl Maria von Weber's romanticism meeting modern American musical influences.

Symphoniker Hamburg / Chamber Concert

Francis Poulenc, the true joker of the French artistic association »Groupe des Six«, created a precious treasure of five works for the woodwinds – the sextet, a trio and a sonata each for flute, clarinet and bassoon. With the sparkling Sextuor for piano and winds, a showpiece for the »musical prose« sought by the »Six«, he thrusts the audience right into the pulsating life of his home city of Paris. The three-movement piece was completed in 1932, but thoroughly revised in 1939 for the performance with Poulenc himself at the piano. At the beginning, it sounds like the Grands Boulevards, everything is noisy, running, honking, shouting and whirling, and the woodwinds are immediately allowed to bring their entire arsenal of modern acrobatics into play. The middle movement is more idyllic, before the fast section suddenly seems to be a fairground hustle and bustle. The work concludes with a hymn-like declaration of love to the metropolis on the Seine.

John Storgårds, Lucas & Arthur Jussen

We are delighted that John Storgårds will be our guest again this season, as he is a highly valued member of our orchestra family. In addition to his regular appearances in Bamberg as a conductor, he was active in other roles last summer: as part of the jury in our Mahler Competition. As a conductor, he is known for his creative instinct in arranging programmes and will guide us through his rich selection of works with a keen sense of rhythm: We start with a waltz from a rarely heard gem – Shostakovich’s operetta, first performed in 1959, which revolves around everyday life in a Plattenbau housing estate. Poulenc could be a real »rascal« – as evidenced by his concerto written in 1932, despite some of its elegiac tones. We are pleased to welcome two young pianists, Lucas and Arthur Jussen, for their debut in Bamberg. The concert will also feature the Symphony No. 3 by Ukrainian composer Victoria Polevá: this haunting piece was written in 2003 and at times creates powerful sonic massifs, but is otherwise characterised by a melancholy tone. This austere mood suits our guest conductor wonderfully as a transition to the initially very pensive nature of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6 – which, however, then ends in a sarcastic circus frenzy. This is sure to be a moving experience, as the press raved about our cordial collaboration with the likeable Finn on the podium: »John Storgårds allowed for highly emotional, exuberant, free and joyful music-making, which the superb Bambergers savoured to the full. Everything was just right – a great moment!«

John Storgårds, Lucas & Arthur Jussen

We are delighted that John Storgårds will be our guest again this season, as he is a highly valued member of our orchestra family. In addition to his regular appearances in Bamberg as a conductor, he was active in other roles last summer: as part of the jury in our Mahler Competition. As a conductor, he is known for his creative instinct in arranging programmes and will guide us through his rich selection of works with a keen sense of rhythm: We start with a waltz from a rarely heard gem – Shostakovich’s operetta, first performed in 1959, which revolves around everyday life in a Plattenbau housing estate. Poulenc could be a real »rascal« – as evidenced by his concerto written in 1932, despite some of its elegiac tones. We are pleased to welcome two young pianists, Lucas and Arthur Jussen, for their debut in Bamberg. The concert will also feature the Symphony No. 3 by Ukrainian composer Victoria Polevá: this haunting piece was written in 2003 and at times creates powerful sonic massifs, but is otherwise characterised by a melancholy tone. This austere mood suits our guest conductor wonderfully as a transition to the initially very pensive nature of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6 – which, however, then ends in a sarcastic circus frenzy. This is sure to be a moving experience, as the press raved about our cordial collaboration with the likeable Finn on the podium: »John Storgårds allowed for highly emotional, exuberant, free and joyful music-making, which the superb Bambergers savoured to the full. Everything was just right – a great moment!«

Festival Élite 2025 – Fiona & Chiara ALAIMO

Trio à la française

Janine Jansen & Denis Kozhukhin: Brahms, Schumann and more

The Concertgebouw’s famous Main Hall is one of the best concert halls in the world, well-known for its exceptional acoustics and special atmosphere. In the Main Hall, you will feel history. Here, Gustav Mahler conducted his own compositions, as did Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky. Sergei Rachmaninoff played his own piano concertos in the Main Hall. This is also where musicians such as Leonard Bernstein, Vladimir Horowitz and Yehudi Menuhin gave legendary performances. Right up to now, the Main Hall offers a stage to the world’s best orchestras and musicians. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Main Hall for yourself!

Janine Jansen | Denis Kozhukhin

Exceptional violinist Janine Jansen, known for her numerous performances of Brahms' violin concerto, now focuses on his violin sonatas with award-winning pianist Denis Kozhukhin. Their exploration extends into the 20th century, encompassing Ravel, Messiaen, and Poulenc's distinct contributions to the genre. Jansen and Kozhukhin share a passion for chamber music and a dedication to shaping its emotional depths.

Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu: Forbidden Fruit

For lovers of chamber music the Recital Hall is the venue of choice. You can hear the musicians breathe and you can practically touch them. This hall is also cherished by musicians for its beautiful acoustics and direct contact with the audience. In the Recital Hall you can hear the best musicians of our time. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Recital Hall for yourself!

Concert with the RSPO Orchestra Academy

Since 2016, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra has hosted an ”Orchestra Academy”. The international RSPO Orchestra Academy is a one-year, advanced academic programme for young musicians. Under the guidance of the section leaders from the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Piteå School of Music, the musicians receive intensive training individually, in chamber music, and orchestral playing.They also showcase their talents through a series of public chamber music concerts – such as this one featuring this year’s academy musicians.

Janine Jansen spielt Brahms

Award-winning pianist Denis Kozhukhin and Dutch violinist Janine Jansen team up to perform Romantic works. Jansen, praised by The Times for her ability to revitalize repertoire pieces, feels connected to every piece she plays. The successful Jansen-Kozhukhin duo creates music with existential depth and emotional tension, making their performances unforgettable.

La Voix humaine

As usual—yet always exceptional—Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan embodies music through both voice and gesture. Here, she performs with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, with whom she shares strong artistic ties.

Janine Jansen / Denis Kozhukhin

The duo formed by Janine Jansen and Denis Kozhukhin in a programme juxtaposing Brahms—a composer particularly close to their hearts—with a selection of 20th-century French chamber music.

Rising Stars: Carlos Ferreira

For lovers of chamber music the Recital Hall is the venue of choice. You can hear the musicians breathe and you can practically touch them. This hall is also cherished by musicians for its beautiful acoustics and direct contact with the audience. In the Recital Hall you can hear the best musicians of our time. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Recital Hall for yourself!

Festival Élite 2025 – Margaux LOIRE

Rising Stars: Carlos Ferreira & Pedro Emanuel Pereira

Bei den Festspielen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern erspielte sich Carlos Ferreira 2021 den begehrten Solistenpreis, beim renommierten Orchestre National de France ist er Soloklarinettist. Als Rising Star zeigt er nun seine Leidenschaft für die Kammermusik mit Klarinette.Der warme Klang der Klarinette war vor allem in der Romantik heiß begehrt, Johannes Brahms und Robert Schumann schrieben reizvolle Werk für Klarinette. Im 20. Jahrhundert spielte der Franzose Francis Poulenc mit deren unterschiedlichen Registerfarben, während Pierre Boulez die Klarinette in moderne Klangwelten führt, samt schwindelerregender Virtuosität und neuen Spieltechniken. Mit der Suite »Duas Igrejas« seines Landsmanns, Pianisten und Komponisten Pedro Emanuel Pereira stimmt Carlos Ferreira inbrünstige Fado-Töne an. Denn auch das kann die Klarinette: herzergreifend singen. »Rising Stars« ist ein Projekt der European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO). Carlos Ferreira wurde nominiert von Casa da Música Porto, Fundação Gulbenkian Lisbon und The Sage Gateshead.

Ravel Poulenc Martin

Ravel Poulenc Martin

Claron McFadden & Claire Chevallier: American-French Connection

For lovers of chamber music the Recital Hall is the venue of choice. You can hear the musicians breathe and you can practically touch them. This hall is also cherished by musicians for its beautiful acoustics and direct contact with the audience. In the Recital Hall you can hear the best musicians of our time. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Recital Hall for yourself!

Sheku & Isata

Our Artist in Residence, cellist Sheku, and his sister, pianist Isata, are the best-known of the musically highly gifted seven children of the British Kanneh-Mason family. Somebody who has grown up playing instruments together like these two will be more familiar with the other person's playing than almost anyone else - an excellent prerequisite for a top-class duo recital! In Francis Poulenc's cello sonata from 1948, “romanticism, neoclassicism and modernism join hands”. This is followed by the first of Gabriel Fauré's two cello sonatas. It was composed in 1917 during the highly productive late phase of the 72-year-old composer and director of the Paris Conservatoire, whom Debussy called “maître de charme” and whom d'Indy envied for his compositional freshness even a few years later. This is followed by a short piece by British composer, violinist and Menuhin pupil Natalie Klouda (*1984) and Felix Mendelssohn's first cello sonata, which Robert Schumann (presciently?) described as “the purest music...suitable for the finest family circles”.

Kammerkonzert 4

Beethoven's Trio op. 11 was nicknamed the "Gassenhauer Trio" due to its popular variation theme. The program spans Bruch's clarinet trio pieces and Poulenc's Duo to saxophonist Daniel Schnyder's "Worlds Beyond", blending classical, avant-garde, and jazz. Four bassoons feature in Wynton Marsalis' composition, showcasing this rarely solo instrument.