Name: Guest in Bayreuth
Start: 2025-06-20T19:30:00
Location: Margravial Opera House

The Bamberger Symphoniker is set to thrill audiences in 2025 with an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary music. From the passionate conducting of Andrew Manze and Jakub Hrůša to the innovative video game scores led by Eímear Noone, this season promises a rich tapestry of sound. Featuring works from iconic composers like Grieg, Sibelius, and Mozart, alongside modern masterpieces, the orchestra is poised to captivate concert-goers across Germany and beyond. Join us as we explore the highlights of this dynamic and culturally resonant season.

A Symphony of Traditions: Bamberger Symphoniker's Unforgettable 2025 Lineup

The Bamberger Symphoniker is set to captivate audiences across Germany with a diverse array of concerts celebrating timeless classical masterpieces and innovative musical journeys. From the elegant compositions of Mozart and Beethoven to the enchanting sounds of video game music, this summer promises an unforgettable experience. Under the baton of world-renowned conductors like Bernard Labadie and Eímear Noone, these events offer an exceptional blend of artistry and emotion. Join us as we explore this musical odyssey across Würzburg, Bayreuth, Fürth, Bamberg, and more.

A Symphony of Seasons: The Bamberger Symphoniker's Summer Concert Series

Bernard Labadie

Nils Mönkemeyer

Bamberger Symphoniker

To round off the year, we're treating our audience to a fun and colorful puzzle: They can create their own New Year's Eve concert – and we'll play whatever they request. Until then, however, they'll be spoiled for choice, as there's a wide selection of works in different categories to vote on: 5 sparkling overtures, 10 enchanting orchestral and violin pieces each – and even 5 lively encores. The "conductor" has already been chosen: The young and versatile conductor Aurel Dawidiuk, who is also a successful pianist and organist, was recently appointed Associate Conductor of the renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

New Year's Eve À La Carte

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. In the final concert on July 3, they conduct the same program again before an audience and the jury. Afterwards, the public votes online, the jury retires to deliberate – and at the end of the evening, the winners are announced, opening the doors to an international career for them.

The Mahler Competition 1. Runde

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. In the final concert on July 3, they conduct the same program again before an audience and the jury. 

The Mahler Competition 2nd round

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development.

The Mahler Competition SEMIFINALE

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. 

The Mahler Competition FINALE

The Mahler Competition FINAL CONCERT

In summer, we always look forward to guest performances at festivals in charming spa towns – and this time, under the direction of our principal conductor, we are fittingly presenting an all-Brahms program with pieces that also sprang from idyllic stays. The Hamburg native and later adopted Viennese composer enjoyed working on his compositions in scenic locations. He frequently traveled to Lake Wörthersee, for example: so many melodies, he remarked with a twinkle in his eye, were floating about there that one had to be careful not to "tread on them." He captured some of these melodies so playfully for his most important symphonic and concertante works that even his contemporaries perceived them as "moments of the highest poetic beauty" – or raved: "It's nothing but blue skies, babbling brooks, sunshine, and cool green shade!" After Brahms had spent his holidays in the Vienna Woods, his music was described as extremely "musical.

Guest at the Kissinger Summer Festival

Regentenbau

Guest at the Rheingau Music Festival

Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH

The program and soloists will be announced at a later date.

On his 99th birthday, we welcome an artist who has added a distinctive chapter to the history of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra over many years: Herbert Blomstedt. We are especially delighted that he will be conducting this concert himself – it is a tribute to his artistry, his charisma, and that extraordinary connection that has bound us closely together for decades. Since his first appearance with our orchestra in December 1982, a special relationship has developed – one built on mutual trust, artistic clarity, and an attitude that approaches music with tireless devotion. In over four decades of working together, Herbert Blomstedt has shaped the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra: through his musical experience as well as through his calm authority and a judicious, always meaningful choice of repertoire.

Special concert for Herbert Blomstedt's 99th birthday

When, in Bamberg's Hain park, the gentle sounds of flutes mingle with the melodious birdsong in the meditation pavilion, a string ensemble plays from the Botanical Garden, and trumpets sound from the bandstand, then it's that time again: the Musical Strolls in the Hain invite you to listen and linger. On July 26, ensembles from the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra will present their musical diversity at various venues throughout the Hain – in a wide range of formations and with a varied program. Enjoy the music in a relaxed summer atmosphere, perhaps on a picnic blanket, and a stroll from venue to venue will reveal ever-new sonic experiences. A delightful end to the season, uniquely blending music and nature. Admission is free. Let yourself be surprised, wander through the Hain, and follow the sounds – always follow your ears! The detailed program will be announced shortly and published on our website.

Musical walks in the grove

Hainpark

A city, two youth gangs, and a forbidden love: Together with TV presenter Juri Tetzlaff, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra brings the world-famous story of the legendary Broadway musical "West Side Story" to life. It's a tale of friendship and enmity, genuine feelings, and terrible misunderstandings. Two cultures clash, and tensions run high. At the heart of it all are Tony and Maria, who dream of a better world. With the music of Leonard Bernstein, Juri Tetzlaff narrates the captivating "West Side Story" for classical music novices and their families. The audience is invited to become part of the story, even stepping into the roles of the rival gangs, the "Jets" and the "Sharks." An interactive concert experience full of excitement, fun, and breathtakingly beautiful music!

Guest in Bayreuth

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