"Only those who grow up and remain children are human," Erich Kästner once said, and he faithfully adhered to this maxim. His novel "Pünktchen und Anton" (Pink and Anton) alternates masterfully between playful fantasy and philosophical contemplation. It deals with betrayal, responsibility, and the power of unconditional friendship. And with a saving blow from a wooden club. To transform the book into a musical story, the main characters encounter the rich sound of a symphony orchestra.

Shooting Star from 6 years

Tonhalle Düsseldorf

The Herdmann children are the worst of all time - they steal, annoy the neighbors, lie, and are just impossible. These children have now somehow taken over the leading roles in the Christmas nativity play, even though they don't know the Christmas story at all. Everyone expects the worst performance ever. But it turns out differently - the Herdmanns' perspective on the events at the manger turns the nativity play into a very special, different performance. Let yourselves be surprised. A musical Christmas story based on the book of the same name by Barbara Robinson. Text adaptation and composition by Philipp Matthias Kaufmann.

EPSG:4326

Help, the Herdmanns are coming

Palace of Culture

The Herdmann children are the worst of all time - they steal, annoy the neighbors, lie, and are just impossible. Ironically, these children have now taken on the lead roles in the Nativity play at Christmas, even though they don't know the Christmas story at all. Everyone expects the worst performance ever. But it turns out differently - the Herdmanns' perspective on the events at the manger turns the Nativity play into a very special, different performance. Let yourself be surprised. A musical Christmas story based on the book of the same name by Barbara Robinson Text adaptation and composition: Philipp Matthias Kaufmann Grades 3-6

Philipp Matthias Kaufmann

Events

Upcoming events

Jul 6, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Shooting Star from 6 years · Düsseldorfer Symphoniker

Dec 14, 2025

Help, the Herdmanns are coming · Dresdner Philharmonie

Dec 15, 2025

Help, the Herdmanns are coming · Dresdner Philharmonie

Past events

Jul 6, 2025 - Feb 8, 2026

Shooting Star from 6 years · Düsseldorfer Symphoniker

About

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