Name: 8. Dresden Choir Day
Start: 2026-06-07T18:00:00
Location: Palace of Culture

Gunter Berger

Dresdner Philharmonie

Snow sparkles in the pale winter sun, a horse-drawn sleigh glides through a light birch forest. Ice flowers grow on the window pane, while the samovar boils in the room. Tchaikovsky, with his First Symphony, makes a atmospheric declaration of love to the famous-infamous Russian winter with all its manifestations. In addition, two completely different but equally fascinating piano concertos are heard: Prokofiev's First Piano Concerto bursts with energy and sophistication. It is a youthful work full of spirit and shows Prokofiev as a true virtuoso of the piano. On the other hand, Ravel's Piano Concerto "for the left hand" is characterized by darker tones and was written for the pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right hand in World War I. It is so cleverly composed that as a listener, one does not realize that in this almost 20-minute concert, piano and orchestra only play together for six minutes. A challenge for our Artist in Residence, who once again can demonstrate the full range of his abilities.

Ravel and Tchaikovsky

Palace of Culture

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.

Help, the Herdmanns are coming

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

There are some annoying traditions, and then there are those that really make an event complete. The Christmas concert of our Philharmonic Children's Choir undoubtedly belongs to the latter! Once again this year, they invite grandparents, parents, and especially all children to listen to familiar and lesser-known Christmas songs, and to sing along to some of them. After that, the celebration can begin...

Once the Lights Are Lit

The opening of our Christmas concert is formed by Smetana's famous symphonic poem "The Moldau". The music almost vividly paints the course of the river - from its bubbling source to its full width as it flows into the Elbe. One can hear nature, rushing forests, and even a wedding in the countryside. A tribute to Smetana's Bohemian homeland, which is so close to us. Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E major is a sparkling highlight. With virtuosic runs and radiant melodies, it showcases the trumpet at its best. Playing it for us is Lucienne Renaudin Vary, a master on her instrument! In Dvořák's Symphony No. 5, Czech folk music and romantic orchestral colors come together to create a music that touches the heart and soul. From idyllic sounds to captivating drama, the Bohemian master of melodies takes us on an evocative musical journey.

Smetana and Dvořák

What could be a more stylish way to end the year than with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony? This monumental work is far more than a musical classic – it is a message to humanity. With the famous Ode "To Joy," Beethoven celebrates the ideals of freedom, brotherhood, and hope. The rousing choral finale is a musical fireworks display that gives you goosebumps and makes you feel the power of community. The symphony begins with mysterious, quiet sounds, but then unfolds a seemingly endless variety of emotions: from dramatic tension to dance-like lightness to triumphant joy. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony leaves no one untouched and is perfect for the occasion – after all, New Year's Eve and New Year also stand for new beginnings, unity, and looking towards a better future.

Beethoven 9

In our traditional organ concert on New Year's Eve, the queen of instruments and four tubas come together in an unusual combination. Together, Katharina Königsfeld and the Melton Tuba Quartet present well-known classics in a new light. From the delicate, dance-like melodies of Tchaikovsky's "Flower Waltz," to the rapid Allegro from Rossini's overture of the opera "William Tell" with its dramatic energy, to Badinerie and March by Bach - the artful arrangements for organ and tuba also make his music shine in completely new colors. From profound passages to festive sounds - this evening is a musical highlight that bids farewell to the old year with style and energetically accompanies you into the new year! By invitation of the Dresden Philharmonic.

Organ and Tuba Quartet

Beethoven's symphonies are part of the "basic equipment" of all orchestras. Who hasn't heard the "ta-ta-ta-taaaa" somewhere before! What is fascinating about his works? Why did Beethoven become a classic at all? What is behind the "Fate Symphony" - the nickname of the Fifth Symphony? The Dresdner Philharmonie invites students to get to know the music and life of Beethoven.

Tatatataaa!

Film and live music

Mozart and Korngold are separated by a century and a half, but both fascinated the musical world as prodigies in their time. In his "Sinfonia concertante," Mozart features four wind instruments - oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon - playing together and against each other. This sonic diversity creates exciting dialogues between the instruments, as they compete with each other but also harmonize perfectly. The solo parts are performed by wind players from the Dresden Philharmonic. The second work of the evening, Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Symphony in F sharp major, takes us into a completely different world. Korngold, known for his film compositions, creates opulent soundscapes in this symphony, filled with passion and drama. The symphony is full of energy, profound emotions, and a captivating blend of classical musical language and the grand cinematic elements that characterize the composer. The concert is conducted by Eun Sun Kim, known for her precise and passionate conducting, making her debut on the podium of our orchestra.

Mozart and Korngold

Bach's Third Brandenburg Concerto is full of charm and virtuosic lightness. Fast, playful rhythms and tension-filled exchanges between the strings and the continuo ensure pure listening pleasure. With a Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, also known as the "Jeunehomme Concerto," Mozart demonstrates his genius in handling the piano as a solo instrument: The first movement begins with a powerful dialogue between the orchestra and the soloist, setting the tone for the entire concerto. Particularly in the second movement, Mozart's ability to lead melodies is evident, while the finale creates a lively and spirited atmosphere. In addition to these highlights of the Baroque and Classical periods, the premiere of a short piece by the sixteen-year-old Georgian composer Tsotne Zedginidze will be performed in this concert by the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, with Zedginidze also appearing as a soloist on the piano.

Brandenburg Concert

What does one do when they meet good friends in a foreign land? Exactly! They make music together! This was also the case for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he reunited with four friends from Mannheim in Paris in 1778. The result was a piece between a symphony and a concerto, with many solos and beautiful passages for the orchestra. But wait! Our cheeky meerkat girl Phili has taken a closer look at the matter! And there is a big mystery to solve: Who were these musical friends? Did Mozart really write this composition? In the end, it all comes down to simply enjoying good music. And that's what matters most - right?

phil to explore ...with Mozart in Paris

It is a beautiful tradition: Dresden amateur choirs present themselves once a year in a concert at the Kulturpalast. Also this time, one can marvel at how diverse, skilled, and passionate singing in Dresden is on this occasion!