Concerto Köln

Shunske Sato | Concerto Köln | Jakob Lehmann

During their lifetime, French composer Louise Farrenc and Emilie Mayer from Mecklenburg were more than just respected composers. The original sound ensemble Concerto Köln commemorates the two Romantic composers with two orchestral works. Robert Schumann's unique violin concerto completes the program. Berlioz, impressed by Farrenc's Overture No. 2, praised her highly. Mayer's Symphony No. 7 demonstrates why she was celebrated as the "female Beethoven". Schumann's Violin Concerto, though written earlier, premiered only in 1937. Concerto Köln's concertmaster, Shunske Sato, will perform as soloist.

Olga Pashchenko | Concerto Köln | Harry Ogg

Leipzig was a musical hotspot in the 19th century, attracting prominent composers like Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Pianist Olga Pashchenko and Concerto Köln explore the city's musical past, tracing connections between Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, and Clara Wieck. Chopin also visited, praising Clara's piano playing and enjoying Schumann's hospitality.

Gürzenich-Chor Köln

Bob Ingalls' symphonic plea for the protection of Mother Earth, "Mother Earth Cries Out!", culminates in Dvořák's powerful setting of the Stabat Mater. Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato si'", Ingalls' work depicts Mother Earth's desperate cry for care. Dvořák's Stabat Mater contemplates Mary's grief and the believer's compassion, ultimately turning to the prospect of paradise.

Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Chor Hamburg / Concerto Köln / Hansjörg Albrecht

The opening concert of this year’s International Bach Festival Hamburg will feature Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Passion cantata »Die letzten Leiden des Erlösers«, written for Hamburg, performed in the Laeiszhalle by the ensemble Concerto Köln, which specialises in historical performance practice, and the Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Choir. Together with the final concert on Easter Sunday, it forms the thematic arc of this Bach festival centred on the Passion and Resurrection.

Grieg Piano Concerto

Contemporary music often struggles. The Third Symphony of the Polish composer Górecki initially received criticism. However, excerpts from it became pop hits in the USA and landed on the charts. Yet, its theme is quite serious: Górecki wrote the music and lyrics in reference to World War II and particularly the suffering in concentration camps. In contrast, the piano concerto, which brought international fame to the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, exudes a completely different mood. In it, the young composer had found the colors of his homeland. In the first movement, one can almost hear the freshness and the special light of the North. A showcase piece for Boris Giltburg, who can bring all these colors to life. The concerts on May 10th and 11th are part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will also be performed in Wrocław. They continue the collaboration between the Dresden Philharmonic and the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic.

Polizeichor Köln | Eugen Momot

KölnChor | Rheinischer Kammerchor Köln

Jürgen Leuke's review in the Stuttgarter Zeitung, titled "Music with a Sting," discusses Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" conducted by Helmut Rilling. Composed for the reconsecration of Coventry Cathedral after its destruction in WWII, the requiem incorporates poems by Wilfred Owen, serving as a poignant reminder and indictment of war's devastating impact.

New Year at the Philharmonie

She’s got it, that certain something stars are made of: Anna Prohaska. Recalcitrant look, cheeky wisecracks, an avowed metal fan, yet at the same time thoughtful, deep. »I love being on stage,« she says, and she evidently finds the right tone for each and every musical style, even in operas with »rather convoluted language«. With her luminous soprano, she will rejoice in Mozart’s motet ›Exsultate, jubilate‹, taking it to soaring heights. Hallelujah!

Chor des Bach-Vereins Köln

Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Händel, both born in 1685, created captivating vocal works at the age of 22. These works, including "Christ lag in Todesbanden," "Gloria," and "Dixit Dominus," composed in 1707, showcase their mastery of dramatic and vivid musical interpretations.