The WDR Sinfonieorchester, a paragon of German orchestral tradition, captivates audiences with its masterful interpretations and innovative repertoire. Founded in 1947, this Cologne-based ensemble stands as a beacon of musical excellence, seamlessly blending classical masterpieces with contemporary works under the auspices of the West German Broadcasting Corporation.
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Concerts featuring WDR Sinfonieorchester in season 2024/25 or later
Alexandre Kantorow, winner of the 2019 Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, performs a grand romantic repertoire in Cologne. Featuring Liszt's virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside Schumann's "Rhenish" Symphony and Wagner's rarely-heard Faust Overture.
Alexandre Kantorow, winner of the 2019 Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, performs a grand romantic repertoire in Cologne. Featuring Liszt's virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 2 alongside Schumann's "Rhenish" Symphony and Wagner's rarely-heard Faust Overture.
Experience a small break from everyday life at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall – inspiring, touching, authentic. A place full of music, for an unusual lunch break, a break from the city noise or simply a break from everyday life. The Philharmonic Lunch is made possible by KölnMusik together with the WDR Symphony Orchestra and the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne.
Composer Fanny Hensel's work was long overshadowed by her famous brother Felix Mendelssohn, receiving proper recognition far too late. Robert Schumann's violin concerto suffered a similar fate, deemed a failed attempt and shelved by performers, with its release forbidden for 100 years. Today it's in the repertoire, and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 will form an impressive closing piece for the evening.
Composer Fanny Hensel's work was long overshadowed by her famous brother Felix Mendelssohn, receiving proper recognition far too late. Robert Schumann's violin concerto suffered a similar fate, deemed a failed attempt and shelved by performers, with its release forbidden for 100 years. Today it's in the repertoire, and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 will form an impressive closing piece for the evening.
Composer Fanny Hensel's work was long overshadowed by her famous brother Felix Mendelssohn, receiving proper recognition far too late. Robert Schumann's violin concerto suffered a similar fate, deemed a failed attempt and shelved by performers, with its release forbidden for 100 years. Today it's in the repertoire, and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 will form an impressive closing piece for the evening.
Composer Fanny Hensel's work was long overshadowed by her famous brother Felix Mendelssohn, receiving proper recognition far too late. Robert Schumann's violin concerto suffered a similar fate, deemed a failed attempt and shelved by performers, with its release forbidden for 100 years. Today it's in the repertoire, and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 will form an impressive closing piece for the evening.
Experience a small break from everyday life at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall – inspiring, touching, authentic. A place full of music, for an unusual lunch break, a break from the city noise or simply a break from everyday life. The Philharmonic Lunch is made possible by KölnMusik together with the WDR Symphony Orchestra and the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne.
The WDR Symphony Orchestra will perform at the German President's benefit concert in 2025. Proceeds will support the Elly Heuss-Knapp Foundation, which provides health support for mothers, fathers, and caregivers. The concert will feature a diverse program including works by Enescu, Ravel, Korngold, and Bernstein, with Hanna-Elisabeth Müller and Sebastian Hornung as soloists. A reception hosted by President Steinmeier and Ministerpräsident Wüst will follow the concert. Fatma Said has cancelled her appearance due to pregnancy.
Writer Händl Klaus and composer Hèctor Parra present "A Song of the Earth" for our time. Olivia and Bruno journey through a desolate landscape, their sung and spoken words forming a dialogue about loss, love, and life. Kaija Saariaho's clarinet concerto, inspired by medieval tapestries, features a soloist who metaphorically "walks" through the concert hall. The WDR will broadcast the concert on June 3, 2025, with online availability for 30 days thereafter.
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.
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 essence of the English romanticist, known in Germany for the "Pomp and Circumstance" marches. The oratorio follows a soul's journey to Heaven, from death to angelic encounters, culminating in a vision of God's glory.
In 1995, 24-year-old Thomas Adès caused a stir with his opera "Powder her Face," a satirical portrayal of an extravagant upper-class lady. Adès's music blends avant-garde and ironic quotes, combining catchiness with imagination. Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances," a farewell work, is a symphony disguised as a harmless title, reflecting moments of a rich composer's life.
The WDR Symphony Orchestra's "Happy Hour" presents Russian contrasts: Anatoly Lyadov's refined soundscape "The Enchanted Lake," depicting cold, fantastical nature, followed by Igor Stravinsky's "Petrushka," a burlesque plunging into the vibrant life of a Russian fair, featuring mysteriously awakened puppets. Marie Jacquot, recently elected chief conductor from 2026/2027, leads the orchestra.
The viola rarely gets the spotlight, unlike its higher-pitched sibling, the violin. William Walton's concerto gives it a chance to shine. The solo instrument's warm tone blends with a colorful orchestral part, also featured in Liadov's shimmering "Enchanted Lake" and Stravinsky's ballet "Petrushka." Marie Jacquot, designated chief conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra, brings these fairytale sounds to life.
German premiere.
Is Shostakovich facing trouble again? Three days after the premiere of his Tenth Symphony, the Soviet Composers' Union debated whether it was too modern, old-fashioned, or critical. Shostakovich, previously denounced, grimly satirized Stalinism. Brahms's Violin Concerto, a celebration of violin and orchestra with a rhythmic "Hungarian" finale, featuring Hilary Hahn, provides contrast. Cristian Măcelaru conducts this program, marking his farewell as chief conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra after six years.
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