Stipendiat*innenkonzert der Essener Philharmoniker

Angelika Prokopp Sommerakademie der Wiener Philharmoniker

Die 12 Cellisten der Berliner Philharmoniker

The 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker are one of the most prominent institutions in international musical life. In 1972, a radio production of Julius Klengel’s Hymnus for twelve cellos with members of the Philharmoniker’s cello section provided the impetus for the founding of a soloist ensemble of this calibre, whose tonal and virtuoso qualities won over concert audiences around the world. Today, the 12 cellists occupy an outstanding, unique position in international musical life. They have succeeded in captivating audiences of all ages with their alternation of seriousness and humour, depth and lightness. As ambassadors of Berlin, they have accompanied the German Federal President on state visits, and whether classical, jazz, tango or avant-garde, the sound frenzy of 12 cellos is always fascinating, producing a unique and multifaceted mixture of sound colours.

Kirill Petrenko Berliner Philharmoniker

Kirill Petrenko, chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic since 2019/20, directs Mahler's 9th Symphony in Essen. Born in Omsk, Petrenko strives for a unique orchestral sound, evident in his interpretation of Mahler's final completed work, a magical piece bridging Romantic and modern eras.

Wiener Philharmoniker | Klaus Mäkelä

28-year-old Klaus Mäkelä, already chief conductor of four orchestras, has been invited by the Vienna Philharmonic. His debut tour with them includes a stop in Cologne, featuring Mahler's 6th Symphony. This powerful masterpiece, while tragic, allows for indulgence in beauty and combines otherworldly devotion with a longing for hymnic transfiguration.

Berliner Philharmoniker | Kirill Petrenko

While composing his Ninth Symphony, Gustav Mahler declared, "I am thirstier for life than ever." The Berlin Philharmonic, under Kirill Petrenko, explores this tension-filled work. Despite moments of defiance, rawness, and humor, the grand apotheotic breakthroughs of earlier symphonies fade. The sound becomes increasingly gentle, transparent, and finally dissolves into peaceful acceptance.

Der Herr der Ringe & Der Hobbit

The concert.

Chamber music with Berliner Philharmoniker soloists

Four soloists from the Berliner Philharmoniker and the pianist Eric Le Sage take us on a foray through the chamber-music repertoire from Viennese Classical to Modern. Along with such famous works as Beethoven’s “Gassenhauer” Piano Trio, there will also be discoveries – for example, the charming Sicilienne, which was long attributed to Mozart's contemporary Maria Theresia von Paradis, and the young Anton Webern’s highly-romantic pieces for cello and piano. The climax of the programme comes with its concluding work, Schoenberg’s visionary Chamber Symphony No. 1.

K&K Philharmoniker, K&K Ballett

K&K Philharmoniker, K&K Ballett

Alexandre Kantorow | Münchner Philharmoniker | Tugan Sokhiev

When Alexandre Kantorow plays the piano, it seems almost supernatural. It's fitting that the young, award-winning virtuoso dedicates himself to a musical devil par excellence. He joins the Munich Philharmonic, led by Tugan Sokhiev, in Rachmaninoff's brilliant "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," which transforms a caprice by the devil's violinist with great pianistic power. Equally impressive is Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic suite "Scheherazade," which colorfully and imaginatively evokes the world of "One Thousand and One Nights."