Baby concerts at the Essen Philharmonic enchant both young and old with instrumental sounds. In a relaxed atmosphere, babies discover the world of music together with their parents and grandparents, carried by sounds, experiencing melodies, tones, and diverse listening experiences - participation included.
Baby concerts at the Essen Philharmonic enchant both young and old with instrumental sounds. In a relaxed atmosphere, babies discover the world of music together with their parents and grandparents, carried by sounds, experiencing melodies, tones, and diverse listening experiences - participation included.
Commissioned by the Istanbul Music Festival, pianist and composer Fazıl Say created "Dünya Anne" (Mother Earth), a song cycle based on Turkish women poets, to mark the Turkish Republic's centennial. The cycle reflects on Turkey's past and present and explores themes of inner struggles, peace, kindness, light, and enduring hope. Serenad Bağcan, whose voice Say had "searched for years," performs the songs.
Gustav Mahler's 5th Symphony starts with a four-note motif, resembling Beethoven's 5th. Reflecting the era's upheaval, the symphony features stark contrasts, from somber marches to triumphant brass chorales. Mahler's focus on polyphony weaves through the composition. He considered it a "completely new style," possibly influenced by his love for and marriage to Alma Schindler in 1902. The 'Adagietto,' seen as a declaration of love to Alma, gained fame, notably through Visconti's 'Death in Venice.' The junge orchester NRW celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The Isidore String Quartet, founded in New York in 2019, explores and revitalizes the string quartet repertoire. Winners of the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition, they approach old works as new and new works as old. In their Essen debut, they'll perform works by Dutilleux and Ravel, along with "Carrot Revolution" by Gabriella Smith, a piece influenced by Bach, Bluegrass, Ligeti, and Simon & Garfunkel. A post-concert discussion and a "Sunday Matinee Plus" for seniors will follow.
The Essen Philharmonic offers regular behind-the-scenes tours for children. They get to explore backstage areas, see where artists prepare, learn how the concert hall sounds. After the one-hour tour, a 30-minute workshop is available for kids.
Elementary school children and older are invited to learn more about the Kuhn organ in the Alfried Krupp Hall. The tour, specially designed for young visitors, lasts about an hour.
The Philharmonie and Aalto-Theater tour team answers questions about the Alfried Krupp Saal's capacity, renovations, and unique acoustics. They guide visitors through Essen's concert hall, offering a behind-the-scenes look at concert events.
Essen Philharmonic offers special organ demonstrations this season. Expert guides provide insights into the structure, function, and other fascinating aspects of the large Kuhn organ.
Students explore the meaning of symbols and signals in music through two works by contemporary composer Nicolaus A. Huber, heard live at the NOW! Festival. Bells and the number "four" (representing wholeness and order) serve as key symbols. Students compose their own music, culminating in a concert performance.
Till Eulenspiegel, first mentioned in 1510, is one of the world's most famous pranksters. Strauss composed a symphonic poem capturing Eulenspiegel's mischievous nature. Stravinsky's "Petrushka" immerses us in a vibrant fairground atmosphere where the puppet, Petrushka, comes alive. Baudelaire's poetry inspired Dutilleux's cello concerto "Tout un monde lointain," a work full of color, melancholy, and sensuality, transporting us to a mysterious world.
Till Eulenspiegel, first mentioned in 1510, is one of the world's most famous pranksters. Strauss composed a symphonic poem capturing Eulenspiegel's mischievous nature. Stravinsky's "Petrushka" immerses us in a vibrant fairground atmosphere where the puppet, Petrushka, comes alive. Baudelaire's poetry inspired Dutilleux's cello concerto "Tout un monde lointain," a work full of color, melancholy, and sensuality, transporting us to a mysterious world.
Every pianist and soloist takes a risk with Franz Liszt's transcription of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. Few have dared to tackle this pianistic chunk, which demands everything at once: power, virtuosity, a sense of the piece's architecture, and a keen ear for detail. Igor Levit takes on this task. Liszt has long been a favorite in his repertoire. For a TV documentary, he already traced the composer's footsteps around 15 years ago. Levit's program for the Essen Philharmonic is brilliant: First, he takes us back to the starting point of all romantic piano virtuosity, Bach's "Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue".
Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" Evening Prayer segues into Schumann's rarely heard Horn Concerto, performed by Folkwang University students. Copland's vibrant "Outdoor Overture" contrasts with Stravinsky's evocative "Firebird." Celebrate 60 years of orchestral music in the Ruhr region.
This composition workshop focuses on the important democratic value of civil courage, asking if one is willing to stand up for their beliefs. It examines the life of Julian Assange, the Australian journalist who risked much to expose American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now faces a long prison sentence. Students explore civil courage through Assange's story, using music, text, images, and acting.
Following the success of the Philharmonic Ball in 2020 and 2023, you're invited to another dazzling ball night at the Essen Philharmonic Hall. The Great Vienna Ball Orchestra and its Big Band will transform the Alfried Krupp Hall, while a club scene unfolds in the RWE Pavilion. The Allbau ballroom will celebrate the golden 1920s with swing and lindy hop, and culinary offerings range from champagne to currywurst. Daniel Hope will host and perform, and guests are invited to a quadrille.
Born in Castellón, Spain, Juan de la Rubia is the organist at Barcelona's Sagrada Família. Known for his skill in opulent arrangements, virtuoso improvisations, classical pieces, and jazz influences, he has performed at prestigious venues like the Auditorio Nacional, Gewandhaus Leipzig, and Elbphilharmonie. Now, he debuts at the Philharmonie Essen.
In 2025, the 50th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich's death, his music is remembered as an emotional shield against the Soviet regime. This concert contrasts his first string quartet's dreamlike world with the existential density of his ninth, framing a Dvorák masterpiece. The Jerusalem Quartet, praised for their passion, precision, and warmth, performs these works.
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.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the cello, also known as the "violoncello." This string instrument is played sitting down, held between the knees on a spike, has four strings, and spans four octaves. Used both as a solo and orchestral instrument, the cello is highly valued for its velvety sound. Discover more exciting facts by listening and watching! "Instruments to Touch" series explores a rich collection of instruments, sharing fascinating anecdotes from musicians.
Darius Milhaud allegedly described Germaine Tailleferre's music as "tasting good." Tailleferre, the only woman in the Groupe des Six, was a musical "daughter" of Erik Satie and a successful French artist in the early 20th century. Her Trio for Piano, Violin, and Cello (1917/1978), featured in this concert, exemplifies her elegant and charming style. The concert also includes Fanny Hensel's delightful Trio op. 11 (1846), one of her last works, and Luise Adolpha Le Beau's Cello Sonata op. 17, a prize-winning piece by a then-renowned composer now largely forgotten. Clara Schumann's Three Romances for Violin and Piano complete the program, representing a rare successful female artistic career in the 19th century.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the cello, also known as the "violoncello." This string instrument is played sitting down, held between the knees on a spike, has four strings, and spans four octaves. Used both as a solo and orchestral instrument, the cello is highly valued for its velvety sound. Discover more exciting facts by listening and watching! "Instruments to Touch" series explores a rich collection of instruments, sharing fascinating anecdotes from musicians.
Dr. Alexander Gurdon discusses Dmitri Shostakovich's unique connection to film, from his early work as a silent film pianist to his later compositions for Soviet cinema. The lecture also explores films about Shostakovich, from "Testimony" to more recent works about his relationship with his wife, Irina.
Roman Borisov, the pianist who debuted at the Essen Philharmonic, returns as both soloist and conductor. He will perform Shostakovich's concerto for piano, trumpet, and orchestra, framed by Mozart's dances and piano rondo. The concert concludes with Schubert's fifth symphony, inspired by Mozart's music.
Camille Saint-Saëns considered his Symphony No. 3, also known as the "Organ Symphony", his most significant work. While the organ doesn't solely feature as a virtuoso instrument, it complements the orchestra, adding a unique sonic dimension. Similarly, Poulenc's colourful concerto blends sacred and lively fairground sounds. Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphoses" also combine contrasting elements, with his lighthearted approach to Carl Maria von Weber's romanticism meeting modern American musical influences.
Camille Saint-Saëns considered his Symphony No. 3, also known as the "Organ Symphony", his most significant work. While the organ doesn't solely feature as a virtuoso instrument, it complements the orchestra, adding a unique sonic dimension. Similarly, Poulenc's colourful concerto blends sacred and lively fairground sounds. Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphoses" also combine contrasting elements, with his lighthearted approach to Carl Maria von Weber's romanticism meeting modern American musical influences.
Jérémie Moreau, the youngest of three brothers, transitioned from classical dance to piano. His brothers, David (violin) and Edgar (cello), are also accomplished musicians. All three studied at the Paris Conservatory. Edgar is an internationally renowned cellist. The Moreau Trio is known for its passionate chamber music performances. A post-concert discussion with Daniel Finkernagel will follow. Senior citizens can register for "Sunday Matinee Plus".
Every year it's carnival, and every year she has the same problem: what to wear? Pippi Longstocking doesn't fit anymore, the polar bear costume is too light-colored, Darth Vader sounds weird, the elephant costume makes eating difficult, and her friend wants to wear the pink unicorn costume. A witch costume might scare people. Maybe other countries, like Great Britain, have different customs, like a football festival.
Every year it's carnival, and every year she has the same problem: what to wear? Pippi Longstocking doesn't fit anymore, the polar bear costume is too light-colored, Darth Vader sounds weird, the elephant costume makes eating difficult, and her friend wants to wear the pink unicorn costume. A witch costume might scare people. Maybe other countries, like Great Britain, have different customs, like a football festival.
Richard Bona and the Metropole Orkest reunite for a performance of orchestral arrangements of Bona's original music. Bona, a bassist, guitarist, and singer from Cameroon, blends jazz, world music, and pop. A special children's program is available during the first half of the concert.
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