Concerts with works by

Sergei Prokofiev

Fancy some classical music?!

Who's up for classical music? For the third time, the Philharmonie opens its doors to young people when the Gürzenich Orchestra invites them to »Concert & Kölsch«. Two symphonies, one spectacle: Prokofiev and Glazunov, two Russian masters, meet: Prokofiev's 5th Symphony, composed in 1944 in the midst of the chaos of war, sounds heroic, emotional and full of energy. He paints impressive orchestral pictures - sometimes lyrical, sometimes gloomy, sometimes overwhelming. You are in for a real goosebump moment! Glazunov's Symphony No. 5 begins mysteriously, unfolds into a playful scherzo and culminates in a radiant finale that simply sounds monumental. A real highlight of Romantic music! No wonder this piece is celebrated as a masterpiece. This time, Lorenzo Viotti is on the podium - a young, charismatic conductor who turns late Romantic music into pure sound magic. A concert for everyone who loves epic music and is in the mood for an unforgettable live experience! After the concert, you can round off the evening with DJ sounds by Loush and relaxed conversation in the foyer. Free drink included!

Awakening

Two fifth symphonies from Russia: In 1944, Sergei Prokofiev spent some time in the countryside where he had all the peace and calm he needed in order to compose, while back home in Moscow, people were suffering from hunger and homelessness. What Prokofiev brought to paper is lushly orchestrated, patriotic, and deliberately Russian in its rhythm and melodies. Not to mention a tremendous amount of heroic pathos, in light of the global war against Nazi Germany. In his op. 100, we see the composer as a mature, experienced symphonist, and as grand master of instrumentation. He creates veritable »orchestral paintings« – some lyrical and sumptuous, some dark and warlike. Alexander Glasunow’s fifth symphony, too, has a heroic flavor to it. After a passage of dark fog in the brass section, and an elf-like Scherzo à la Mendelssohn, the symphony grows and eventually culminates in a grand, radiant finale of such majestic splendour that this has become Glasunow’s masterpiece. Both composers personally wielded the baton at the premieres of their fifth symphonies. Unfortunately, we can’t arrange for that to happen this time around. However, the Gürzenich Orchestra is looking forward to continuing its exhilarating collaboration with one of the foremost conductors of the young generation, Swiss-born Lorenzo Viotti. An exceptional talent and magician in the field of late Romantic sound, he most certainly would have appealed to the two Russian symphonists.

Guest performance

Kavakos & Fujita

»Ecstatic screams from the audience, standing ovations« was how the Tagesspiegel described Mao Fujita’s DSO debut in April 2023. Fujita’s god is Mozart. One music track from his ›Mozart Reworked‹ CD made it all the way to the top on Apple Music’s ›Piano Chill Playlist‹; his recording of all the piano sonatas has been enthusiastically received by the critics. A real discovery.

Sinfoniekonzert Leipziger Universitätsorchester

armonia ensemble

In Feierlaune

Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 44, known as "Trauer" (Mourning), is surprisingly lively and festive. Isata Kanneh-Mason performs Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, and Shiyeon Sung, a prominent South Korean conductor, leads Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. The concert introduction begins 30 minutes prior in the Glocke's "Kleinen Saal".

In Feierlaune

Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 44, known as "Trauer" (Mourning), is surprisingly lively and festive. Isata Kanneh-Mason performs Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, and Shiyeon Sung, a prominent South Korean conductor, leads Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. The concert introduction begins 30 minutes prior in the Glocke's "Kleinen Saal".

Nuits du Piano Paris – Plamena Mangova

Leonskaja

Vriendenrepetitie: Concertgebouw Orchestra - A Prokofiev feast with Iván Fischer

Only members of Concertvrienden can visit this rehearsal. More information on Concertvrienden.Sergey Prokofiev’s tremendous versatility can be appreciated only when multiple works of his are heard side by side. This concert by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of honorary guest conductor Iván Fischer is the perfect opportunity.The Overture on Hebrew Themes is friendly, playful and folkloric. By contrast, the Second Piano Concerto features all the shock effects that made Prokofiev famous. The music is like that of a wicked fairy tale, but can also be heard as the missing link between Rachmaninoff and the brutal ‘machine music’ of the 1920s. The work is rarely performed live owing to the extremely difficult piano part. Nelson Goerner is one of few to venture such a performance. Hearing the Argentine pianist in concert is invariably an unforgettable experience.With the ballet Cinderella (based on Perrault’s ‘Cendrillon’), Prokofiev proved himself a worthy successor to Tchaikovsky – and was even heralded as ‘the new waltz king’ by a Russian critic at the time. Performed less frequently than Prokofiev’s earlier ballet Romeo and Juliet, it nevertheless features the same compelling blend of elegance, whimsy and magical orchestral colour. Prokofiev himself claimed it contains some of the best passages he ever composed.

Concertgebouw Orchestra: A Prokofiev feast with Iván Fischer

Sergey Prokofiev’s tremendous versatility can be appreciated only when multiple works of his are heard side by side. This concert by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of honorary guest conductor Iván Fischer is the perfect opportunity.The Overture on Hebrew Themes is friendly, playful and folkloric. By contrast, the Second Piano Concerto features all the shock effects that made Prokofiev famous. The music is like that of a wicked fairy tale, but can also be heard as the missing link between Rachmaninoff and the brutal ‘machine music’ of the 1920s. The work is rarely performed live owing to the extremely difficult piano part. Nelson Goerner is one of few to venture such a performance. Hearing the Argentine pianist in concert is invariably an unforgettable experience.With the ballet Cinderella (based on Perrault’s ‘Cendrillon’), Prokofiev proved himself a worthy successor to Tchaikovsky – and was even heralded as ‘the new waltz king’ by a Russian critic at the time. Performed less frequently than Prokofiev’s earlier ballet Romeo and Juliet, it nevertheless features the same compelling blend of elegance, whimsy and magical orchestral colour. Prokofiev himself claimed it contains some of the best passages he ever composed.

Concertgebouw Orchestra: A Prokofiev feast with Iván Fischer

Sergey Prokofiev’s tremendous versatility can be appreciated only when multiple works of his are heard side by side. This concert by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of honorary guest conductor Iván Fischer is the perfect opportunity.The Overture on Hebrew Themes is friendly, playful and folkloric. By contrast, the Second Piano Concerto features all the shock effects that made Prokofiev famous. The music is like that of a wicked fairy tale, but can also be heard as the missing link between Rachmaninoff and the brutal ‘machine music’ of the 1920s. The work is rarely performed live owing to the extremely difficult piano part. Nelson Goerner is one of few to venture such a performance. Hearing the Argentine pianist in concert is invariably an unforgettable experience.With the ballet Cinderella (based on Perrault’s ‘Cendrillon’), Prokofiev proved himself a worthy successor to Tchaikovsky – and was even heralded as ‘the new waltz king’ by a Russian critic at the time. Performed less frequently than Prokofiev’s earlier ballet Romeo and Juliet, it nevertheless features the same compelling blend of elegance, whimsy and magical orchestral colour. Prokofiev himself claimed it contains some of the best passages he ever composed.

Nelson Goerner | Concertgebouworkest | Iván Fischer

Sergei Prokofiev always prioritized musical beauty. The Concertgebouworkest and Iván Fischer present three of his works: the Overture on Hebrew Themes, the second piano concerto with Nelson Goerner, and highlights from the ballet "Cinderella". Prokofiev masterfully captured the romantic love, its challenges, and fulfillment in the ballet.

Valentine Classics at the Movies

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!

Anna Vinnitskaya Schostakowitsch 2. Klavierkonzert

The Essen Philharmonic commemorates Dmitri Shostakovich's 50th death anniversary with four evenings this season. His works, often reflecting the somber Soviet reality, possess profound beauty. His second piano concerto, however, stands out as cheerful, brilliant, blissful, and spirited. Pianist Anna Vinnitskaya considers its second movement among the most beautiful music she knows. Equally stunning is Sergei Prokofiev's fifth symphony, composed in 1944, a "song to free and happy people." Elim Chan conducts the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, who, along with Vinnitskaya, prepare chamber music surprises. The concert has no intermission and includes a "Close-up" at 5:45 PM and a "Late Night" at 9 PM. A child-friendly introduction is also offered.

Giorgi Gigashvili

Concertgebouw Orchestra: A Prokofiev feast with Iván Fischer

Sergey Prokofiev’s tremendous versatility can be appreciated only when multiple works of his are heard side by side. This concert by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the direction of honorary guest conductor Iván Fischer is the perfect opportunity.The Overture on Hebrew Themes is friendly, playful and folkloric. By contrast, the Second Piano Concerto features all the shock effects that made Prokofiev famous. The music is like that of a wicked fairy tale, but can also be heard as the missing link between Rachmaninoff and the brutal ‘machine music’ of the 1920s. The work is rarely performed live owing to the extremely difficult piano part. Nelson Goerner is one of few to venture such a performance. Hearing the Argentine pianist in concert is invariably an unforgettable experience.With the ballet Cinderella (based on Perrault’s ‘Cendrillon’), Prokofiev proved himself a worthy successor to Tchaikovsky – and was even heralded as ‘the new waltz king’ by a Russian critic at the time. Performed less frequently than Prokofiev’s earlier ballet Romeo and Juliet, it nevertheless features the same compelling blend of elegance, whimsy and magical orchestral colour. Prokofiev himself claimed it contains some of the best passages he ever composed.

Anna Vinnitskaya | MCO Academy | Mahler Chamber Orchestra | Elim Chan

Shostakovich and Prokofiev were repeatedly targeted by Soviet art critics. Prokofiev appeased them with his heroic Fifth Symphony, while Shostakovich did so with his highly virtuosic 2nd Piano Concerto, brilliantly performed by Russian pianist Anna Vinnitskaya. Vinnitskaya, who won the ECHO Klassik award in 2014 for her recording of the concerto, is now accompanied by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Elim Chan. Prokofiev's 5th Symphony, written in 1944 during the Soviet victory over Nazi troops, also displays combative traits.

Pathétique

Tchaikovsky's deeply moving Sixth Symphony will be performed by the hr-Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann. The former celebrated alto singer claims that conducting feels "like 100 voices singing inside of her". Baritone Matthias Goerne, known for his expressive voice, will also perform six songs from Mahler's "Des Knaben Wunderhorn". The concert duration is approximately 120 minutes including intermission.

Pathétique

Tchaikovsky's deeply moving Sixth Symphony will be performed by the hr-Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann. The former celebrated alto singer claims that conducting feels "like 100 voices singing inside of her". Baritone Matthias Goerne, known for his expressive voice, will also perform six songs from Mahler's "Des Knaben Wunderhorn". The concert duration is approximately 120 minutes including intermission.

Aschaffenburger Orchesterkonzerte

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann, will perform Prokofiev's "Overture on Hebrew Themes," Mahler's "Songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn," and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 ("Pathétique") in Aschaffenburg. Baritone Matthias Goerne will be the soloist.

Joana Mallwitz makes her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker

When she is on the podium, says Joana Mallwitz, she wants to take the audience with her “from the very first note”. This approach has already brought her a remarkably successful career. After holding positions as General Music Director in Erfurt and Nuremberg, she has been Chief Conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin since 2023. In her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker, she leads us through very different worlds of sound with works by Prokofiev, Hindemith and Ravel. Anna Vinnitskaya will be the soloist in Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a work full of dreamy melancholy and pianistic brilliance.

Joana Mallwitz makes her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker

When she is on the podium, says Joana Mallwitz, she wants to take the audience with her “from the very first note”. This approach has already brought her a remarkably successful career. After holding positions as General Music Director in Erfurt and Nuremberg, she has been Chief Conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin since 2023. In her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker, she leads us through very different worlds of sound with works by Prokofiev, Hindemith and Ravel. Anna Vinnitskaya will be the soloist in Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a work full of dreamy melancholy and pianistic brilliance.

Joana Mallwitz makes her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker

When she is on the podium, says Joana Mallwitz, she wants to take the audience with her “from the very first note”. This approach has already brought her a remarkably successful career. After holding positions as General Music Director in Erfurt and Nuremberg, she has been Chief Conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin since 2023. In her debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker, she leads us through very different worlds of sound with works by Prokofiev, Hindemith and Ravel. Anna Vinnitskaya will be the soloist in Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a work full of dreamy melancholy and pianistic brilliance.

Alexandra Dovgan

Russian pianist Alexandra Dovgan, known for her mature interpretations, loves Romantic music, particularly Schumann's. Her playing brings depth and precision to his compositions. Now, after numerous competition wins, she focuses on performances, playing Schumann and Prokofiev in her Essen recital.

West-Östlicher Vierklang

Entrance is free, donations are welcome.

Konzert für Alle #8

Alina Ibragimova plays Prokofiev

In a time of revolution, Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto wove fairytale magic – and no-one makes it dance like Alina Ibragimova.‘Music is life’, declared Carl Nielsen, ‘and like it, inextinguishable!’ Defiant words from a composer who’d seen a world laid waste by war, but they could serve as motto for this concert from the dynamic Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu. In a time of revolution, Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto wove fairytale magic – and no-one makes it dance like our soloist Alina Ibragimova. There’s a vision of cosmic beauty from the late, great Kaija Saariaho. And finally, Nielsen launches a struggle for the future of existence itself: his shattering Fifth Symphony is one of those pieces that simply has to be experienced live.Please note start time.