Name: Animals are looking for an orchestra
Start: 2025-05-16T20:00:00
Location: WDR Funkhaus

The WDR Funkhausorchester invites audiences on an extraordinary journey through time and genre with a line-up of captivating events this season. From the thrilling notes of George Gershwin on New Year's Eve to a jazzy tribute to Keith Jarrett, and an enchanting Disney a cappella recital, these performances are set to mesmerize. Whether you're a fan of classical, jazz, or pop, the orchestra promises a rich tapestry of sound that effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. Join us as we explore these remarkable events and what makes them truly unforgettable.

A Symphony of Seasons: WDR Funkhausorchester's Spectacular Musical Journey

The WDR Funkhausorchester is offering an eclectic blend of musical events that traverse genres and eras, captivating audiences with romantic melodies, jazz tributes, and musical fusions. From the classic charm of ABBA and Disney to the passionate beats of Argentine tango, the orchestra is set to deliver an engaging lineup, celebrating the universal language of music. Audiences can look forward to performances by renowned artists, ensuring an unforgettable experience at every concert.

A Symphony of Styles: Exploring Music's Many Faces with WDR Funkhausorchester

The WDR Funkhausorchester promises a spectacular series of events that traverse musical history, literature, and film through nine unique performances. From the Baroque influences in 'Baroque to Beatles: A Music History' to the enchanting tunes of Disney classics with 'The King's Singers - 100 Years Of Disney', these events promise to captivate audiences with their diverse themes and talented performances. With conductors like David Brophy and Ari Rasilainen leading the way, attendees are in for an unforgettable journey through the realms of sound and story.

WDR Funkhausorchester's Musical Odyssey: From Baroque to Disney Magic

Get ready for an exciting array of musical events brought to you by the WDR Funkhausorchester. From enchanting Disney classics performed by The King's Singers, the symphonic revival of ABBA hits, to the dramatic flair of Verdi's rarely performed 'Stiffelio', these events promise a rich tapestry of sounds. Dive into animal-inspired melodies or dance through the ages with vibrant rhythms. With maestros like Enrico Delamboye and vocalists such as Pretty Yende, these concerts are set to captivate audiences and celebrate diverse musical genres.

A Musical Odyssey with WDR Funkhausorchester: From Disney Classics to Argentine Tangos

This summer, the WDR Funkhausorchester promises a musical journey like no other, with events ranging from ABBA symphonies to tango rhythms, and film music magic. Their diverse lineup, featuring world-class conductors and vocalists, is set to charm audiences across Germany, promising nights filled with nostalgia, drama, and passion. Whether you’re a fan of pop, opera, or cinematic scores, there’s something for everyone. Join us as we delve into the details of these exciting events and what makes each one truly special.

A Symphony of Sounds: Unveiling WDR Funkhausorchester's Upcoming Musical Extravaganza

Rasmus Baumann

WDR Funkhausorchester

The WDR Funkhausorchester wishes you a light, swinging Christmas! At this rousing Christmas party, Tom Gaebel, with his unmistakable, melting voice à la Frank Sinatra, will present the most beautiful Christmas evergreens, from "White Christmas" to "Jingle Bells" to "Let It Snow" – just the thing for anyone who wants to start the festive season in high spirits.

Swinging Christmas

Museum Ludwig

Violin bows in position, trombones in position – and the race against time begins! From London via Italy to Egypt, on to Yemen, to Calcutta, Hong Kong, Yokohama, New York, and back – all in 80 minutes of music. A sonorous adventure with the WDR Funkhausorchester, in the spirit of Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days."

Around the world in 80 minutes

WDR Funkhaus

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

Rudolf Oetker Hall

What do the Beach Boys, Adele, and The Simpsons have in common? Hazel Brugger reveals it all – and together with the WDR Funkhausorchester, she'll get the Cologne Philharmonic Hall in the mood with her very own mixtape. The comedienne, slam poet, and presenter's playlist is a truly feel-good mix: Fast, beat-driven, and rhythmic, it transports us from the club to the current charts and back to our teenage bedrooms in the 1990s.

Hazel Brugger: My Mixtape

It takes a hero, a villain—and maybe a little romance on the side. The adventure film is one of the oldest genres on the big screen. From the radiant theme of redemption to the dark theme of danger, from "King Kong" to "Avengers"—the WDR Funkhausorchester dons the hero's cape and climbs the skyscrapers. Dominik Porschen and the "Cinema Strikes Back" team deliver the perfect stories for these big-screen adventures.

Adventure: Film Music!

When the red light comes on, adrenaline levels automatically rise – including in the audience. The popular WDR 4 show "Klassik Populär" returns live to the concert stage and presents your absolute favorite pieces!

WDR 4 Classic Popular Live

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

According to Rhenish customs laws, this collaboration has long since gone beyond the status of "tradition": The WDR Funkhausorchester will once again be browsing the bookshelves at lit.COLOGNE and exploring the most beautiful melodies between the covers.

Special Guest: lit.COLOGNE

The Mouse invites you to a big dance party! Because at this concert, you'll not only hear lively music, but you'll also have a real dance party. So – throw your arms in the air and look forward to a fantastic dance experience.

Dance with the mouse

Konzerthaus Dortmund

Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH

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

"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

A sonic dance between Cuba and classical music. "Danzón Cubano" is a blend of Marialy Pacheco on the piano, the WDR Funkhausorchester, and melodies that preserve the authentic Latin American sound while immersing classics in new color palettes. A Cuban lifestyle in the heart of Cologne!

Cuban Dance

Bayer Erholungshaus

From cats and mice to dogs and wolves – "Animals Looking for a Home" presenter Simone Sombecki and the WDR Funkhausorchester explore the musical world of animals. The audience can expect favorite melodies from "Cats" to "Dances with Wolves" – a fun-filled evening is guaranteed!

Animals are looking for an orchestra

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