Name: 74th MUSIC FESTIVAL ION
Start: 2025-07-06T18:00:00
Location: St. Sebald Church - Sebalduskirche Nürnberg

The Münchner Rundfunkorchester presents a tapestry of musical events that span the rich history of orchestral music. From the evocative compositions of Dmitri Shostakovich to the triumphant melodies of Tchaikovsky, the orchestra showcases a diverse range of creative works. With performances by acclaimed artists such as Alexandra Conunova and Matthias Höfs, each event promises a unique auditory experience. Join us as we delve into the powerful narratives and vibrant sounds that have defined music through the ages.

Musical Exploration: A Journey Through Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and More

From melodic masterpieces graced by world-renowned artists to thought-provoking performances, the Munich Radio Orchestra orchestrates a series of captivating events this season. Experience the grandeur of ‘Classics in the Prince,’ the brilliance of ‘Golden Sounds,’ and the evocative ‘From Yiddish Folk Poetry.’ As the picturesque city of Munich becomes the stage for these artistic endeavors, audiences have the chance to embrace a richly woven tapestry of sound, history, and emotion. Discover the intricate compositions and stories behind these must-see events that stretch across Bavaria’s cultural landscape.

An Immersive Dive into Munich's Classical and Cultural Events

In the summer of 2025, music enthusiasts will have the chance to immerse themselves in a symphony of eclectic performances across Germany. From the orchestral tribute to Richard Strauss in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the profound oratorio 'A Child Of Our Time' in Munich and Nuremberg, and a heartfelt homage to Piaf at Kissinger Sommer, these events promise to captivate hearts. Organized by the Münchner Rundfunkorchester, each event offers a unique glimpse into the power of music as a language that transcends time and boundaries.

A Harmonious Journey: Celebrating Music Across Borders and Time

Experience an unparalleled celebration of music with the Münchner Rundfunkorchester. From the profound depths of Shostakovich and Weinberg's compositions that softly defy Soviet ideology, to the radiant brilliance of the trumpet's regal history, and the enchanting classical performances gracing Bavaria's iconic venues, this series of events offers something for every music enthusiast. Whether it's the heartfelt oratorio 'A Child of Our Time' or the passionate homage to Piaf, these events promise to captivate and inspire audiences through the power of music.

Münchner Rundfunkorchester Presents: A Celebration of Musical Excellence

In the heart of Europe, three captivating events blend music, history, and emotion to offer a profound reflection on the human experience. From the poignant strains of Michael Tippett's 'A Child of Our Time' to the timeless allure of Edith Piaf's chansons, audiences are invited to traverse a landscape of cultural reconciliation and tender homage. These events, featuring the Münchner Rundfunkorchester and a host of talented performers, promise an unforgettable journey through sound and sentiment.

A Harmonious Exploration: Musings on Humanity and Love Through Music

Andrew Hamilton

Barry Banks

Elizabeth Llewellyn

Karen Cargill

Münchner Rundfunkorchester

Ready, set, go! The August Everding Bavarian Theatre Academy and the Munich Radio Orchestra have been working together for 20 years: a truly blessed liaison! Young students unearth previously unknown treasures from the world of musical theater and bring them on stage with the Munich Radio Orchestra. A scenic fireworks display with opulent orchestral sound, touching arias, a colorful set, and trendy dances. Colorful, professional, passionate. The triad of successful cooperation.

I due timidi & Le pauvre matelot

Prinzregententheater

"I want to nourish the soul," said Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks, whose birthday the Munich Radio Orchestra is celebrating with works as diverse as a mass and the violin concerto "Distant Light." These works shed light on Vasks's thinking—the coexistence of nature and humanity, the sense of beauty, and the impending moral destruction of the world. His themes are rooted in his upbringing, having grown up in a country that was able to cast off its shackles nonviolently in a "Singing Revolution."

Peteris Vasks

Sacred Heart Church Munich

Politics and the private sphere collide fatally in Verdi's opera Simon Boccanegra: The title character, elected Doge of Genoa by the people, pays with his life for the bitter game of love and power. Thanks in part to his librettist, Arrigo Boito, Verdi succeeded in revising the work in 1881 in creating a predominantly somber yet highly fascinating tableau of light and shadow. Boccanegra's desperate cry for peace, echoing the words of the poet Petrarch, becomes a timeless plea – and the shimmering sea, captured by the orchestra, becomes a symbol of hope.

Simon Boccanegra

The International Meistersinger Academy (IMA) not only offers outstanding singers excellent study opportunities but also paves the way for them to pursue a career. Under the artistic direction of Edith Wiens, the IMA will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. Alumni of the academy will perform in the gala concert under the direction of Matthias Foremny.

Gala concert

Reitstadel

Politics and the private sphere collide fatally in Verdi's opera Simon Boccanegra: The title character, elected by the people as Doge of Genoa, pays with his life for the bitter game of love and power. Thanks in part to his librettist, Arrigo Boito, Verdi succeeded in creating a predominantly somber yet highly fascinating tableau of light and shadow in his 1881 revision of the work. Boccanegra's desperate cry for peace, echoing the words of the poet Petrarch, becomes a timeless plea – and the shimmering sea captured by the orchestra becomes a symbol of hope.

Visiting Budapest

Müpa Budapest

The music of America is dazzling and full of timbres! With locomotive driver Juri, we'll embark on a journey across the continent. We'll begin on the legendary steam locomotive Pacific 231. In the Wild West, we'll see the Grand Canyon and stop off at a cowboy's house for a boisterous feast. Then we'll head south toward Mexico and even Brazil – a journey full of adventure with fascinating instruments and stunningly beautiful music!

Music Express

Germering Town Hall

Classical Music in Bavaria 2026

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

A concert for the youngest, presented in an age-appropriate manner for 3- to 6-year-olds.
Duration: approximately 30 minutes

How is music created using only air? Find out, along with host Clemens. Luckily, the flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon are on hand to help him along! Together with students from the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts and concert designer Hanni Liang, we'll show you how breath transforms into sound. Sometimes airy and light, sometimes stormy and powerful – a concert full of unique "air numbers." Join us and experience the special magic of wind instruments!

air number

Künstlerhaus am Lenbachplatz

Ivan Repušić has shaped the Munich Radio Orchestra as its chief conductor since 2017. Before his departure at the end of the season, the shared successes deserve a fitting celebration – with a concert, of course! The evening will be enriched by musical contributions from important collaborators, including the Bavarian Radio Choir and the artists in residence of recent years. Ivan Repušić will certainly return to the Radio Orchestra at some point in the future.

Ivan Repušić & Friends

Allow me to introduce you to George Onslow from France and Ludwig Thuille, born in Bolzano! Their works are rarely heard in the concert hall. However, Onslow's Quintet, Op. 81, which requires a perfectly balanced wind ensemble, is a worthwhile example of his style, entirely focused on beautiful sound and classical form. Thuille, in turn, influenced a large number of renowned students as a professor at the Royal Bavarian Music School in Munich. His Sextet, Op. 6, rightly puts the master himself in the spotlight.

Rare guests

For decades, the Munich Radio Orchestra has been a guest at one of Bavaria's most prestigious festivals: At the Kissinger Sommer, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, the sun shines particularly brightly on world-class artists, especially when they can present their vocal artistry with optimal orchestral accompaniment. Experience the versatile tenor of Daniel Behle in the stylish Max Littmann Hall, performing arias and numbers from the most beautiful operas by Rossini, Meyerbeer, and Strauss.

Kissinger Summer

Max Littmann Hall

The Requiem speaks of "the fears and sorrows of people in this time, of illness and death, of love and loneliness" – Hans Werner Henze wrote this funeral music in memory of Michael Vyner, a longtime friend and artistic director of the London Sinfonietta, who died young in 1989. Now the work, whose movements are reminiscent of the Latin requiem mass and yet find their eloquent expressiveness in the wordless sphere of instrumental music, is heard in memory of the important German composer.

Hans Werner Henze

The ION music festival is a festival with an embracing, open concept of culture in the heart of Europe - from Renaissance to pop, with a cappella art and great oratorios. It was founded in 1951 in the ruins of Nuremberg in the spirit of reconciliation. "There is peace" - that is the motto for 2025. It is therefore the ideal place for the moving oratorio A Child of Our Time , written in the face of the Second World War. The Munich Radio Orchestra is performing in Nuremberg together with the Bavarian Radio Choir.

74th MUSIC FESTIVAL ION

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