Summer 1889. Antonín Dvořák escapes the hustle and bustle of the concert season and retreats to rural Vysoká. Nature, idyll, and tranquility await him here. Inspired by this environment, he quickly composes his Eighth Symphony – rich in color, full of freshness, and energy. Nature also plays a major role in Konstantia Gourzi's Message Between Trees. "I have learned to love trees," writes the composer, who was awarded the Opus Klassik in 2023. She felt their soothing power and a longing to embrace them. Here, nature becomes sound, a message. Her viola concerto "Ishaón, The Angel in the Golden Garden" was born out of a spiritual experience. It is part of a series of works dedicated to angels. Who better to premiere this premiere than Nils Mönkemeyer? The world-class violist is a transcendent explorer and a passionate ambassador of his instrument. The stage is set for sound, nature, and visions.

Konstantia Gourzi & Dvořák: Symphony No. 8

The Bell, Bremen

Do we even need to talk about it anymore? About the role of women in society, at work and in music? Of course! Equality between men and women may be the law, but it is not yet a reality everywhere. There is hardly a better opportunity to talk about it than on International Women's Day. It has been celebrated since 1911 and has been officially recognised by the UN for 50 years. Reason enough for the Bremen Philharmonic to devote itself to this topic - in word and sound. Konstantia Gourzi, one of the most prominent conductors and composers currently on the podium, will discuss the self-image, importance and visibility of women in music with artistic director Guido Gärtner and conductor Hansjörg Albrecht. Musically, Gourzi will be performing her piece "Moonrise by the Sea", inspired by Caspar David Friedrich, and Albrecht will then perform the beautiful, romantic mass by Ethel Smyth. She was one of the pioneers of her profession – at a time when this was anything but self-evident.

50th Anniversary of International Women's Day

Hall 1 / Tabakquartier

Do we even need to talk about it anymore? About the role of women in society,
at work and in music? Of course! Equality between men and
women may be the law, but it is not yet a reality everywhere. There is hardly a better
opportunity to talk about it than on International Women's Day.
It has been celebrated since 1911 and has been officially recognised by the UN for 50 years. Reason enough for the
Bremen Philharmonic to devote itself to this topic - in words and music.

gala concert for International Women's Day

Laeiszhalle Hamburg

A Song for Peace

Tobacco Quarter Hall 1

"I dedicate the composition The Dance of 21 to all those who, with strength, struggle, and faith, rebel within themselves every day, to those who tirelessly defend hope and deeper humanity, to those who, without knowing it or caring, become the new model for the future."

Konstantia Gourzi

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 15, 2026

A Song for Peace · Bremer Philharmoniker

8 - 9 May, 2026

8th Symphony Concert · Staatstheater Mainz

Past events

1 - 2 Feb, 2026

Konstantia Gourzi & Dvořák: Symphony No. 8 · Bremer Philharmoniker

Mar 9, 2025

50th Anniversary of International Women's Day · Bremer Philharmoniker

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Moonrise by the Sea op. 108, Overture for Brass and Percussion by Gourzi

Bremer Philharmoniker

Conductor in Mass in D for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Choir and Orchestra by Smyth

Bremer Philharmoniker

Piano in Wind Whispers by Gourzi

Bremer Philharmoniker

About

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