Singer

Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah is a dramatic and moving portrayal of the life of the prophet Elijah – filled with magnificent choral passages, heartfelt arias and powerful musical contrasts. The work is full of drama, from stormy celestial phenomena to deeply personal prayers, and has thrilled audiences since its premiere in 1846.


When we perform this monumental oratorio in 2025, it will be with a connoisseur of the genre at the helm: Matthias Janz. As one of the most experienced conductors in the choral and oratorio repertoire, he has been an invaluable partner for the South Jutland Symphony Orchestra for years and has contributed to shaping its artistic profile. They say that being outside is good, but being at home is best. South Jutland and South Schleswig are our musical home turf, where we have shared countless great experiences with audiences over the years. But this time we are also looking forward to presenting Elias in one of Germany's most famous concert halls – the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg.

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The trip goes to Hamburg with Janz

Alsion Concert Hall

German House

Turen går til Hamborg med Janz

Alsion

Beethoven: Missa solemnis

St. Michael's Church

With the brief Schicksalslied, Johannes Brahms composed one of the highlights of Romantic choral music, evoking the tragic atmosphere of a poem where Hölderlin sings of destiny in a few words. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart unintentionally created his own requiem mass: he wrote the Requiem upon the request of an anonymous commissioner but passed away before its completion. Based on Mozart's notes, his pupil Frans Xavier Süssmayr prepared the iconic masterpiece for eternity, featuring unmistakable echoes of Bach's contrapuntal virtuosity and the influence of Händel. Honorary conductor Philippe Herreweghe is globally recognized for this period. Alongside the Collegium Vocale Gent, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra prepares for an undoubtedly memorable tour across various Flemish cities.

Mozart's ‘Requiem’ with Philippe Herreweghe

Queen Elisabeth Hall

Concertgebouw Brugge

Music Center De Bijloke

Born in Istanbul and raised in Vienna, the tenor has emerged as one of the most exciting and versatile vocal artists of recent years: a finalist at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World and winner of the International Art Song Competition of Germany’s Hugo Wolf Academy. Schumann's Kerner Lieder were composed in 1840, his 'Liederjahr', but hold a special place as the first cycle composed in the time immediately following his hard-sought marriage to Clara Wieck.

Ilker Arcayürek tenor; Simon Lepper piano

Wigmore Hall

The Guardian puts Ilker Arcayürek “in a class all his own” for his gilded tone, dramatic flexibility and captivating presence. “He is a very stylish singer” (Bachtrack). Simon Lepper is an authoritative and polished pianist who is the perfect counterpart to Arcayürek’s radiant technique, “his playing flowing and just on the right side of understatement”

Ilker Arcayürek | Tenor & Simon Lepper | Piano

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

“In a class on his own: Ilker Arcayürek has the kind of airy, easily ringing tenor that puts across words beautifully, with power in reserve yet a hint of vulnerability too” (The Guardian). This fast-rising tenor performs an all-Schubert recital, keenly organizing a selection of the composer’s songs to illustrate life’s path, negotiating themes including love, longing, inner peace and salvation. “Simon Lepper, whose prowess as a pianist is fused with a real sensitivity to words and to the voice, is a rarity indeed” (The Times, London).

 Ilker Arcayürek - tenor and  Simon Lepper - piano

Good Friday, one of the most important Christian holidays, will be celebrated with early music luminary Jordi Savall and his ensemble Concert des Nations, performing two expressive Passion oratorios that could not be more impressive in any cathedral. Though fundamentally different in character and genesis, the works of Haydn and Beethoven are united by their immediately moving music and the Easter message.

Tenor

Ilker Arcayürek

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 3, 2026

The Concert of Nations / Jordi Savall · Elbphilharmonie

Past events

15 - 19 Nov, 2025

The trip goes to Hamburg with Janz · Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester

Nov 14, 2025

Turen går til Hamborg med Janz · Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Schicksalslied by Brahms

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Singer in Missa solemnis by Beethoven

Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival

Singer in Requiem in D minor by Mozart

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

About

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