Before the Premiere: Saint François d’Assise

Messiaen: Saint François d’Assise

Famous French composer Olivier Messiaen described birds as »the greatest artists among all creatures«, and included birdsong in some of his works. That connects him with St Francis of Assisi, who, legend has it, preached to the birds and praised the Lord’s Creation. It was only logical, then, that Messiaen should dedicate to the founder of the Franciscan order his biggest and most all-embracing composition: the opera »Saint François d’Assise«. Kent Nagano and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra perform it tonight at the Elbphilharmonie.

Messiaen: Saint François d’Assise

Famous French composer Olivier Messiaen described birds as »the greatest artists among all creatures«, and included birdsong in some of his works. That connects him with St Francis of Assisi, who, legend has it, preached to the birds and praised the Lord’s Creation. It was only logical, then, that Messiaen should dedicate to the founder of the Franciscan order his biggest and most all-embracing composition: the opera »Saint François d’Assise«. Kent Nagano and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra perform it tonight at the Elbphilharmonie.

Messiaen: Saint François d’Assise

Famous French composer Olivier Messiaen described birds as »the greatest artists among all creatures«, and included birdsong in some of his works. That connects him with St Francis of Assisi, who, legend has it, preached to the birds and praised the Lord’s Creation. It was only logical, then, that Messiaen should dedicate to the founder of the Franciscan order his biggest and most all-embracing composition: the opera »Saint François d’Assise«. Kent Nagano and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra perform it tonight at the Elbphilharmonie.

François-Xavier Roth with Bruckner’s Third and a world premiere

The Third Symphony is considered Anton Bruckner’s problem child. The three versions of this hymn-like and at the same time mysterious work show how much the composer struggled with it. François-Xavier Roth, conductor of this performance, considers the first version from 1873 to be the most successful – because it shows the original Bruckner. Roth has made a name for himself as a Bruckner interpreter who brings not only the sonic power of this music to life, but also its nuances. The programme also includes the world premiere of a work by the Slovenian Vito Žuraj.

François-Xavier Roth with Bruckner’s Third and a world premiere

The Third Symphony is considered Anton Bruckner’s problem child. The three versions of this hymn-like and at the same time mysterious work show how much the composer struggled with it. François-Xavier Roth, conductor of this performance, considers the first version from 1873 to be the most successful – because it shows the original Bruckner. Roth has made a name for himself as a Bruckner interpreter who brings not only the sonic power of this music to life, but also its nuances. The programme also includes the world premiere of a work by the Slovenian Vito Žuraj.

Premiere Talk

On a Sunday morning before the big event of the premiere, Artistic Director Christian Spuck and Dramaturge Katja Wiegand welcome you to the premiere talk. This classic format offers unique insights into the new productions, which often only unfold in personal exchanges with the artists of the team. There is an opportunity to sense the atmosphere that characterizes the exciting days before every ballet premiere. The event will be conducted in German. English passages will be summarised in German.

Macbeth Premiere

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Sélène Saint-Aimé

A captivating new figure on the contemporary jazz scene, Sélène Saint-Aimé explores the traditional repertoire of Louisiana, the West Indies and Reunion Island in this concert dedicated to creoleness.

Sélène Saint-Aimé

A captivating new figure on the contemporary jazz scene, Sélène Saint-Aimé explores the traditional repertoire of Louisiana, the West Indies and Reunion Island in this concert dedicated to creoleness.