Laura Lootens Unter iberischem Himmel

Kebyart Saxophonquartett Dem Himmel so nah

The Kebyart Saxophone Quartet, comprised of four Catalonians, is captivating international audiences with their divine saxophone performances. Their Heidelberg program features a range of music from sacred choral works to Purcell's fantasies and Clara Schumann's "Fugitive Pieces," arranged for saxophones. Even Jörg Widmann, initially skeptical of the genre, was impressed by the quartet's sound culture. Their program is topped off by Widmann's "7 Capricci" and a new piece by Mikel Urquiza.

Zwischen Himmel und Erde

„Vom blauen Himmel“ (Mongolei)

You can experience the Mongolian ensemble in two concerts with different programs. The originality of the landscapes and the endless expanses of nature become tangible and are reminiscent of the stories of Genghis Khan and his horsemen. The overtone singing of the men (Chöömi), which has its origins in the shaman tradition in the Altai Mountains and impresses with its touching tonality, originated in Mongolia. The women's Urtiin Du chant was created as a powerful dialog with the holy blue sky in the solitude of the overwhelming, aristocratic silence of the Gobi Desert. Let yourself be intoxicated and grounded by this musical dialog with nature!

Himmel & Hölle – The Dream of Gerontius

While rarely performed in Germany, Edward Elgar's oratorio "The Dream of Gerontius" follows Handel's "Messiah" and Mendelssohn's "Elijah" in popularity in England. This masterpiece reveals the true side of the English romanticist, known mainly for the "Pomp and Circumstance" marches. The monumental work follows a soul's journey to heaven after death, guided by a guardian angel, until it beholds God's glory.

Schubert-Tag Sternath. Chang. Soulez Larivière. Hagen. Duerden. Carrel. Baillieu. Brauß Soiree: Forellenquintett

Schubert's meditative "Nachtstück" for piano trio opens a program that explores time and timelessness. Debussy's Préludes and Violin Sonata, Steve Reich's eight-part "Cello Counterpoint" (played here on the viola), and Helmut Lachenmann's playful Schubert Variations offer complementary perspectives to early Romantic Viennese ideas. The concert concludes with two timeless Schubert masterpieces: the "Grand Rondeau" for piano four hands and the famous "Trout Quintet". The concert will have two intermissions.

Prokofjew Pass Alle Prokofjew-Klavierkonzerte

Over three consecutive days, Igor Levit performs Sergei Prokofiev's five brilliant piano concertos, spanning the young composer's boundless creativity to his mature mastery. He's accompanied by Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Levit also discusses Prokofiev's challenging 2nd concerto, a piece he hasn't played publicly in ten years.

Igor Levit. Iván Fischer. Budapest Festival Orchestra Alle Prokofjew-Klavierkonzerte I

Over three consecutive days, Igor Levit performs all five of Sergei Prokofiev's brilliant piano concertos, spanning the young composer's boundless creativity to his mature mastery. He's accompanied by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Iván Fischer. Prokofiev's first concerto features rhythmic agility and sharp percussion. Alongside this and the fifth concerto, they perform the "Symphony of the Greatness of the Human Spirit", whose 1945 premiere coincided with the Red Army's victory announcement. Levit also revisits Prokofiev's second concerto after a decade. A pre-concert talk with Levit and Anselm Cybinski takes place at 7 pm.

Signum Quartett Schubert in Soweto

Dieter Schnebel's essay "In Search of Liberated Time" explored Schubert's late works and their unique handling of time. South African violist Xandi van Dijk of the Signum Quartet connects this theme to the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid. The quartet commissioned South African composers and will perform Schubert in Soweto. A pre-concert talk will be held at 4 pm.

Igor Levit. Iván Fischer. Budapest Festival Orchestra Alle Prokofjew-Klavierkonzerte II

The second day of the Prokofiev cycle features his third piano concerto, known for its popularity. Its folk-song-like and lyrical character is highlighted by the slightly subdued wildness and softened harmony. The program also includes the Overture on Hebrew Themes, with its melancholic klezmer tone, and an orchestral suite from the ballet "Cinderella". A pre-concert talk with Anselm Cybinski and Igor Levit will take place at 7 pm in the Heidelberg Congress Center.