Conductor

What would the LGBTQIA+ community be without its musical icons like Elton John and Freddie Mercury? For Cologne Pride, the WDR Funkhausorchester celebrates the anthems of the queer scene—from great classics to current musical milestones from Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift.

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The Sound of Pride

Rudolf Oetker Hall

Museum Ludwig

Rock is more than just a musical genre – the attitude to life of entire generations is preserved between hard riffs and raspy vocals. When drums, bass, and guitar are joined by strings and brass, an energetic rock party is guaranteed. The WDR Funkhausorchester plays classics from music history, from the Rolling Stones to Queen, from Metallica to AC/DC – and proves that even an orchestra can rock! The musicians are supported by singer Alex Melcher – who has demonstrated his great rock voice for many years in leading roles in shows such as "We Will Rock You" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Rocking Classics | Rheingau Music Festival

Castillo de Johannisberg

"Twelve Points! Douze Points!" For 70 years, all of Europe has been thrilled at the Eurovision Song Contest. And it's not always just the winning songs that have stuck in people's minds and climbed the charts; after all, "miracles happen again and again!" The WDR Funkhausorchester celebrates winning songs like "Waterloo" and "Satellite" to mark the anniversary, recalling shrill and quirky performances and playing songs that made history – regardless of the number of points they earned.

Rise Like A Phoenix: ESC hits in concert

WDR Funkhaus

Sometimes a boisterous party, sometimes a voice of reason – always a catalyst for emotions: The choir, with its powerful sound, has a special function on stage. Famous examples from the opera world include Verdi's "Prisoners' Chorus" and the "Anvil Chorus" from "The Troubadour." But musicals also have a lot to offer in terms of captivating choral parts. The WDR Radio Choir and WDR Funkhaus Orchestra present the most beautiful choirs from musicals and operas – from "Nabucco" to "Carmen," from "Les Misérables" to "The Phantom of the Opera."

Opera meets musical – the most beautiful choirs

Ireland is not only world-famous for its delicious butter, the invention of chocolate milk, and extra-strong dark beer, but also for truly excellent musical exports. Together with its Irish chief conductor, David Brophy, the WDR Funkhausorchester performs classics of Irish music history – authentically with fiddle and bagpipes. From Ireland, they head to America with Shaun Davey's "Brendan Voyage Suite," and then tap-dance back to the Emerald Isle.

Irish Folk

While one digs out jazz records from his legendary archive on Saturday afternoons, the other unearths masterpieces and rarities from the classical world every Sunday: For ten years, Götz Alsmann and Daniel Hope have been revealing what moves their musical hearts on "WDR 3 Persönlich." They are now celebrating their anniversary together on stage – with the enthusiastic and diverse WDR Funkhausorchester on stage.

Alsmann and Hope - Personal

Philharmonic Essen

The big Christmas karaoke sing-along at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall! From popular Christmas carols to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with a video story, to live Christmas songs created by and featuring YouTube star Marti Fischer—there's no better way to get into the Advent and Christmas season!

Christmas with a difference: X-mas Sing Along | WDR@Philharmonie

This two-act evening takes us chronologically from Lennon and McCartney’s first meeting in 1957 to the end of The Beatles in 1970.

With sold out performances in Liverpool, Gateshead, Dublin and Finland, it is a truly unforgettable experience for audiences and performers alike, one that weaves a brilliant original score by Andrew Cottee with acted sequences by the three vocalists/actors to shed light on the true story behind these globally loved compositions and their composers’ relationship.

The Two of Us: The Lennon & McCartney Songbook

Mayflower Theatre

Trick or treat with Shaun the Sheep! Together with the WDR Funkhausorchester, Shaun, Jana, and André perform spooky dances, listen to exciting sounds, and show you the role music plays in a truly scary movie experience.

Shaun the Sheep - The Concert

The dream factory of Hollywood was an important refuge for many prominent composers during the fascist regimes in Europe. Erich Wolfgang Korngold, among others, quickly made a name for himself in the new genre of film music—he lived the "American Dream" under palm trees in LA. The WDR Funkhausorchester presents music by the exile and music by his American colleagues Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin.

Guest performance Bratislava

Bratislava Reduta

Enjoy another stunning symphonic afternoon in September, as the Ulster Orchestra return to the Hill of the O’Neill.

Another fabulous afternoon of much-loved classical music favourites lies in store, in the company of conductor David Brophy. It’s the concert for all the family that you won’t want to miss.

On Your Doorstep: Dungannon

Hill of The O'Neill & Ranfurly House.

From "Mamma Mia" to " Dancing Queen ": The rousing hits of the Swedish pop icons make hearts dance. The WDR Funkhausorchester brings back the splendor of the ABBA era and lets the band's greatest successes shine anew in symphonic light.

Thank You For The Music: ABBA Symphonic

Tchaikovsky's Sugar Plum Fairy is hanging up her pointe shoes - she's now competing to swing with Uwaga! The crossover quartet brings baroque minuets to a groove and introduces Mahler and Mozart to disco heroes. The WDR Funkhausorchester ventures onto the dance floor with the four border crossers - a crazy, anarchic foray into music history.

Baroque to Beatles: A Music History

Few composers have reshaped contemporary classical music like Max Richter. His work blends minimalism, electronica and cinematic sound to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. This programme opens with Richter’s Opus 2020, a reflective piece shaped by themes of memory and time.

SCO 2026:27 Season Max Richter

Usher Hall

Few composers have reshaped the landscape of contemporary classical music like Max Richter. His work bridges worlds – minimalism, electronica and cinematic soundscapes – creating music that feels both intimate and epic. We’re excited to feature his music in the first of our 2026/27 New Dimensions concerts.

Conductor

David Brophy

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 22, 2026

SCO 2026:27 Season Max Richter · Usher Hall

22 - 23 Oct, 2026

Max Richter+ · Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Past events

3 - 4 Jul, 2026

The Sound of Pride · WDR Funkhausorchester

Jun 27, 2026

Rocking Classics | Rheingau Music Festival · WDR Funkhausorchester

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in The Chairman Dances by Adams

Usher Hall

Conductor in The Four Seasons by Richter

Usher Hall

Conductor in Company by Glass

Usher Hall

Conductor in Opus 2020 by Richter

Usher Hall

About

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