Join us as we dive into a captivating series of concerts hosted by the NDR Radiophilharmonie. From introducing young minds to the world of music through the Zwergen-Abo series to exploring grand symphonic masterpieces like Richard Strauss' 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra,' these events offer something for everyone. Renowned artists such as Leonidas Kavakos, Ingo Metzmacher, and Conrad Tao will grace the stages, bringing to life works by composers like Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Strauss. Let's explore these enriching experiences that promise to illuminate the cultural tapestry with their diverse and vibrant offerings.

A Musical Journey: From Enchanting Childhood Concerts to Grand Symphonic Masterpieces

The NDR Radiophilharmonie is setting the stage for a series of captivating performances covering a wide array of genres and themes, from musical introductions for children to explorations of cultural identity in music. This season promises a rich tapestry of events, including the beloved Zwergen-Abo for young music enthusiasts, avant-garde showcases by Ensemble Horizonte, and specialized performances like the Bratschenwirtschaft focusing solely on the viola. With an eclectic mix of artists and compositions, these events offer something for every music lover to anticipate.

Exploring the Soundscape: A Journey Through NDR Radiophilharmonie's Diverse Performances

The NDR Radiophilharmonie has curated an exciting lineup of events that offer something for everyone, from young children to seasoned classical music enthusiasts. With a diverse array of performances ranging from interactive concerts for the little ones to sophisticated baroque and romantic presentations, this series promises an engaging exploration of music's rich tapestry. Highlights include the Zwergen-Abo series for young children, captivating baroque interpretations by Dejan Lazić, thrilling romantic pieces featuring star violinist Gil Shaham, and an inspiring showcase of young musical talents in the Hiraeth concert.

NDR Radiophilharmonie Presents a Vibrant Series of Concerts: A Journey Through Music for All Ages

Embark on a musical journey that caters to every melody lover, from the youngest listeners at Zwergen-Abo to those chasing classical traces with Mozart's masterpieces. The NDR Radiophilharmonie's upcoming series of events promises a rich tapestry of music experiences across various genres and eras. Whether you're a family looking to introduce little ones to the world of music or an aficionado eager to explore deep classical symphonies, there are performances crafted just for you. Join us as we explore these harmoniously curated events, featuring renowned artists like Jörg Widmann, Alina Pogostkina, and more.

A Symphony of Experiences: NDR's Melodic Journey for All Ages

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of classical and jazz music with the events organized by the NDR Radiophilharmonie and Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. This article delves into a series of concerts that are set to transform concert halls into stages of artistic brilliance. From the dynamic trio performances of Debussy and Beethoven to the evocative voices in Verdi's Requiem, discover the unique contributions of distinguished musicians and their creative interpretations. Join us as we explore musical gems and the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped each performance.

A Harmonious Journey: Highlights from Classical and Jazz Concerts of 2025

May 2025 is set to be a spectacular month for music enthusiasts, as the NDR Radiophilharmonie unveils a lineup of riveting concerts and events. From Dvořák's 'Stabat Mater' sing-along at the Church Congress to the poignant performances of Brahms and Bruckner, the month promises a medley of musical brilliance. Highlights include Mozart explorations with Jörg Widmann, chamber music at the Sprengel Museum, and commemorations of World War II's end. This month-long celebration of music, creativity, and history beckons audiences to engage, reflect, and revel in the beauty of orchestral and chamber music.

A Harmonious May: Exploring the NDR Radiophilharmonie's Musical Extravaganza

The NDR Radiophilharmonie brings music by Schumann and Tchaikovsky to Lübeck: the "Manfred" Overture, the "Manfred" Symphony and Schumann's Cello Concerto, played by Truls Mørk.

Lübeck. Stanislav Kochanovsky & Truls Mørk

Music and Congress Hall Lübeck

NDR Philharmonic Brass plays works by Rameau, Telemann, Weill and Bernstein in Wismar, among others.

The concerts of NDR Philharmonic Brass have become legendary. The ensemble of solo brass players from the NDR Radio Philharmonic represents the finest brass sounds, presenting a wide range of styles: from solemn and sublime to cool, humorous, and jazzy. The programs blend arrangements with original compositions, combining Renaissance and Baroque classics with Broadway hits by Bernstein and Weill, as well as contemporary music.

Wismar. NDR Philharmonic Brass

St. Georgen-Kirche

EPSG:4326

Verdi: Requiem Final Concert

Sala de Música y Congresos Lübeck

The three Antonios - Vivaldi, Lotti and Caldara - are the focus of the concert of the NDR Vokalensemble with the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin under the direction of chief conductor Klaas Stok in the Galerie Herrenhausen.

NDR Vokalensemble & Akamus: Italian Baroque in Hanover

Small ensembles, very individual: The programs put together by the orchestra musicians offer gems of chamber music as well as new discoveries, rarities and special arrangements.

Passacaglia. Chamber music by Widmann, Clarke and Ravel

NDR Concert Hall | Small Broadcasting Hall

The Young Artists Concerts offer a platform for young musicians. The series is organized in cooperation with the German Music Council.

Gassenhauer. Trio Risonante plays Debussy, Pärt, Brahms and more

Academy. Chamber music matinee by and with young musicians

Percussionist Alexej Gerassimez comes to Hanover with the program "Elements of Drums - Water, Wood, Metal, Skin".

Drums. Alexej Gerassimez presents multi-percussion with orchestra

NDR Konzerthaus | Großer Sendesaal

Searching for clues. "Elements of Drums" for school classes

This concert commemorating the end of World War II 80 years ago will feature Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7 "Leningrad" under the direction of Chief Conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky, as well as Ernest Bloch's Hebrew Rhapsody "Schelomo" for cello and orchestra. The soloist for the evening is the internationally acclaimed cellist Alexey Stadler.

Pain. Shostakovich's "Leningrad" and Bloch's "Schelomo"

Hanover Congress Centre

The exceptional cellist Pablo Ferrández and the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra play works by Bloch and Shostakovich under the direction of Stanislav Kochanovsky.

Wolfsburg. Stanislav Kochanovsky and Pablo Ferrandez

Scharoun-Theater Wolfsburg

Educational project for Lower Saxony school classes from grade 9 onwards in spring 2025: Workshops on the "Leningrad" by Dmitri Shostakovich.

Never again! Educational project on the "Leningrader" for schools

Schoenfield and Schönberg - not only do they sound similar, but there are also some similarities between these composers. Both were of Jewish descent and lived for a long time in the USA. But while the Viennese Arnold Schönberg was forced to emigrate in 1933, Paul Schoenfield went the other way: Born in Detroit, he spent his last years in Israel, where he died last April at the age of 77.

Pierrot lunaire. Chamber music, reading and art in the Sprengel Museum

Sprengel Museum

For Jörg Widmann, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a very special fixed star in the compositional cosmos. What fascinates a modern artist about Mozart's music? For Widmann, it is above all its extreme emotional range: "This change in the smallest of spaces, from absolute cheerfulness to a kind of premonition of death, I know of hardly any other composer." As a result, Mozart can be played on every conceivable occasion: "At a baptism, a wedding, a funeral - what music can you say that about?", says Widmann.

Wedding. A concert of music and conversation with works by Mozart

In their own way, both are farewell works: the double concerto with which Johannes Brahms concluded his orchestral work, and the unfinished Symphony No. 9 by Anton Bruckner. Not every farewell has to be tearful: while Brahms swears his friendship with one of his most loyal artistic companions, Bruckner once again expresses his certainty of faith in music. In addition, we are looking forward to seeing Cornelius Meister, who grew up in Hanover, at the conductor's desk again in this final symphony concert of the season!

Epic. Brahms' Double Concerto and Bruckner's Unfinished Ninth

As part of the Church Congress 2025 and under its motto "courageous - strong - courageous", we present you a very special project: Antonín Dvořák's "Stabat Mater" to listen to or sing along to! Whether as an audience or as a singer - several Hanover choirs, the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of chief conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky and international soloists await you.

Sing-along concert. Dvořák's "Stabat Mater" at the Church Congress 2025

The NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra is in Wismar with two Spanish guests: the program includes Arvo Pärt's "Fratres," Johannes Brahms' First Symphony, and Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2, conducted by Pablo González. The soloist is Javier Comesaña.

Wismar. Pablo Gonzalez & Javier Comesaña

Look forward to a highly virtuoso performance in this baroque concert with the NDR Radiophilharmonie: Maurice Steger appears - as a soloist and as a conductor at the same time.


Virtuoso. Baroque concert with recorder player and conductor Maurice Steger

Herrenhausen Gallery

Trumpet. conTRUMPETary ensemble plays Kagel, Rihm and more

The NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra comes to Kiel with Mozart: with Symphony No. 40 and the overture to "The Marriage of Figaro".

Kiel. Jörg Widmann and Alina Pogostkina

Petruskirche Kiel Wik

After Spain ( in the second chamber music matinee of the season ) and Poland ( in the fourth chamber music matinee of the season ), the fifth chamber music matinee takes a detour to England. Right in the middle of the action: violinist Catherine Myerscough, a native of London and a member of the NDR Radio Philharmonic since 2018. Together with three colleagues, she spans the Elizabethan era through early modern times to the present day. British music history is more colorful than you might think!

English. Chamber music from Orlando Gibbons to William Walton

There is no doubt that in the musical cosmos of the composer, conductor and clarinettist Jörg Widmann he is one of the fixed stars: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Not least because Mozart was one of the first to put the clarinet, Widmann's instrument, in the spotlight. But on this evening the violin is the solo instrument: the exceptional violinist Alina Pogostkina plays Mozart's A major violin concerto and Jörg Widmann stands at the conductor's podium of the NDR Radio Philharmonic.

Lübeck. Jörg Widmann and Alina Pogostkina

We go in search of clues: with Jörg Widmann and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 40.

Searching for Traces. Mozart for School Classes

Pure Mozart! Alina Pogostkina plays the Violin Concerto No. 5. Also hear the NDR Radiophilharmonie under the direction of its First Guest Conductor Jörg Widmann with the overture to "The Marriage of Figaro" and more.

Mozart. The Violin Concerto with Alina Pogostkina and more

Classic meets Soul: Two musical styles innovatively combined with Stefanie Heinzmann, Miki Kekenj and the NDR Radiophilharmonie.

Heinzmann. Crossover concert of classical and soul

Tonus peregrinus, the foreign tone, refers on the one hand to an old psalm tone that was the basis of certain Gregorian melodies. On the other hand, Tonus peregrinus can also be a symbol for new or unusual sounds or sound combinations. Bach's famous oratorio composition Magnificat BWV 243 uses a melody in this tone in Suscepit Israel (No. 10), which forms the basis of the entire cycle. In the last line, the text of the work calls for reconciliation despite all opposition and strangeness, with a reference to the common root of all people ("unto our fathers, Abraham and his seed forever"). Bach's motet "Jesu, meine Freude", which is based on a Protestant chorale and New Testament text, is also about alienation from the world, about the transformation from carnality to spirituality.

Tonus peregrinus. Vocal work Hanover and concerto ispirato

NDR Konzerthaus | Kleiner Sendesaal

Hiraeth. duo51saiten plays Strauss, Schubert, Messiaen and more

The NDR Radiophilharmonie will be performing at La Seine Musicale with its new chief conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky and will play Tchaikovsky's Suite No. 3 as well as Brahms' Violin Concerto in D major with Gil Shaham.

Paris. Stanislav Kochanovsky and Gil Shaham

La Seine Musicale

The NDR Radiophilharmonie will be performing at the Grand Théâtre de Provence with its new chief conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky and will play Tchaikovsky's Suite No. 3 and Brahms' Violin Concerto in D major with Gil Shaham.

Aix-en-Provence. Stanislav Kochanovsky and Gil Shaham

Grand Théâtre de Provence

Two composers at the height of their creative powers, two works full of charm and emotion: this concert promises pure romantic happiness. The fact that there was a lot of friction between Brahms and Tchaikovsky during their lifetimes is irrelevant. For star violinist Gil Shaham and chief conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky, the American and the Russian, the focus is on the music anyway: because it is "so universally understandable and so human," as Shaham once put it.

Romantic. Brahms Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky's 3rd Suite

Things get magical and sometimes scary when orchestra detective Malte and chief conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky open the "Firebird File". It contains a lot of information about the young Prince Ivan and his encounter with the powerful magician Kastschej.

Family concert. The orchestra detectives open "The Firebird File"

For school classes. The orchestra detectives open "The Firebird File"

The fourth chamber music matinee of the 2024/25 season embarks on a voyage of discovery into little-known territory. The expedition is led by Bartosz Zachlod, leader of the second violins and passionate chamber musician. Together with colleagues from the NDR Radio Philharmonic, he presents works from his Polish homeland: Karol Szymanowski's String Quartet No. 1 and the highly romantic piano quintet by Juliusz Zarębski. Rating: absolutely worthwhile!

Polish. Szymanowski and Zarębski in a matinee concert

As early as the 18th century, composers were fighting for a European continent without national boundaries. Their music transfer affected not only singers and instrumentalists, but also styles, genres and trends. Italian violinists caused a sensation in London and Dresden, and in Hamburg people danced à la française. You can hear this in the second baroque concert of the season. The Croatian pianist Dejan Lazić and Dutch conductor Jan Willem de Vriend provide additional international flair.

Concerto. Dejan Lazić plays Bach in a baroque setting

No, no artist has ever fallen from the sky. Not even an exceptional talent like Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. The fact that the ability to learn and self-criticism must accompany talent is demonstrated by three works that all date from Mendelssohn's youth: a sonata, a symphony and an overture. In a joint discussion, Jörg Widmann - First Guest Conductor of the NDR Radio Philharmonic - and Friederike Westerhaus will explore how the mature artist gradually emerged from the flood of ideas and orientation towards role models.

Poetic. Works by Mendelssohn in Concert and Discussion

The Lizard Ensemble for contemporary music from Linz presents newcomers to contemporary music and the diversity of the scene. In the current program, it approaches the topic of "borders" from different perspectives.


Borders. A program of modern music with the Lizard Ensemble

The NDR Radiophilharmonie and soprano Anja Petersen are guests at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg - with works by Clara Iannotta and Arnulf Herrmann.


Elbphilharmonie Visions. Pierre Bleuse and Anja Petersen

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

For all art lovers: Bernd Alois Zimmermann's "Die pious Helene for speaker and ensemble" and more. The "Blue Hour" series combines music with text readings on a selected work of art - in the Sprengel Museum.

Helene. Chamber music, reading and art in the Sprengel Museum

No, barroom jokes about the violin's big sister are not being rehashed here. Instead, the menu at the NDR "Bratschenwirtschaft" contains nothing but exquisite musical ingredients. Viola à la carte, so to speak. The menu is served in the small broadcasting hall by concentrated viola power: the entire vocal group of the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra plus an academic performer. Fritz Stenger-Lutz, also a former violist in the orchestra, will be presenting the program.


Bratschenwirtschaft: A chamber music program just for the viola

Home, farewell and identity - on these topics, the Ensemble Horizonte will present exciting new music at the beginning of 2025, with a world premiere and reflections from Central Europe and East Asia.

Strange.Closeness. Ensemble Horizonte presents New Music

The Hamburg and the Viennese, the symphonist and the waltz king, heavy art and light fare - when Brahms and Strauss meet in concert, such contrasts are in the air. But how much of this is true, what is exaggerated and perhaps even a cliché? After all, the two composers not only respected each other, but were best friends. Reason enough for Friederike Westerhaus to devote herself to the special relationship between these two artistic personalities at the second "Klassik Extra" concert together with the Catalan conductor Josep Caballé Domenech.

Vienna. Moderated concert with music by Brahms and Strauss

Orchestra detective Malte Arkona and conductor Josep Caballé Domenech are on the trail of Johann Strauss and Johannes Brahms - also available nationwide in a video livestream for participation.

For school classes. The orchestra detectives are on the trail of Johann(es)

Johann? Or rather Johannes? A case for clever detectives who have to be on two trails today. With chief detective Malte, we set off on a trail that leads from the far north of Germany to Austria.

Family concert. The orchestra detectives are on the trail of Johann(es)

About life. Schupelius and Neumann play Schumann, De Falla and more

It's going to be chilled! Levent Geiger will be performing as a live act at Phil & Chill 2025. Before that, Stanislav Kochanovsky, the new chief conductor of the NDR Radio Philharmonic, will present Tchaikovsky's "Pathétique" - on January 18, 2025 in the NDR Konzerthaus. Get your tickets now: advance sales have begun!

Chilled. Party night and concert event at Phil & Chill 2025

A thoroughly Russian program: violinist Leonidas Kavakos and the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra play works by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky under the direction of Stanislav Kochanovsky.

Wolfsburg. Stanislav Kochanovsky and Leonidas Kavakos

Mit Pathos: Geiger Leonidas Kavakos und die NDR Radiophilharmonie spielen unter der Leitung von Stanislav Kochanovsky. Auf dem Programm: Schostakowitschs "Oktober", das Violinkonzert Nr. 2 und Tschaikowskys "Pathétique".

Pathos. Schostakowitsch und Tschaikowsky im Sinfoniekonzert

Once to America and back - that is our "travel route" in the 4th Symphony Concert A. The well-known conductor Ingo Metzmacher in Hanover has two American classics from the early and late 20th century in his luggage. The soloist on the piano is Conrad Tao, one of the most exciting young artists on the current US music scene. After the concert break, we return to the heart of "old" Europe: to the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and his book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra", to which Richard Strauss has erected a musical monument.

Large. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss

We go in search of clues: with Ingo Metzmacher and Richard Strauss' work "Thus Spoke Zarathustra".


Searching for clues. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" for school classes

Milestones. Astraios Quintet plays Reicha, Klughardt and more

The Christmas concert 2024: The NDR Radiophilharmonie plays the film music for the fairy tale film "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella" live under the direction of Frank Strobel.

"Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella" - Film Music live to Projection

A ceremonial, elegant dance is hidden behind the name Pavane, derived from the Spanish word for peacock. Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte" has become particularly famous, and the Celli Family plays it in a version for eight cellos. In addition to this elegiac, dreamy composition, the program also includes works and arrangements of a different kind. A morning full of wonderful cello sounds - the perfect start to an exciting and relaxed Sunday!


Chamber Music Matinee Special Concert: Pavane

Kochanovsky has invited internationally acclaimed greats to Row C: including the young Spaniard Pablo Ferrández, the new star in the cello sky. The program includes Ernest Bloch's Hebrew Rhapsody for cello and orchestra and Dmitri Shostakovich's "Leningrad".

Peace. Pablo Ferrández plays Ernest Bloch's "Schelomo"

HCC Hannover Congress Centrum

A classic in music education for many years: our youngest subscribers sit on colorful cushions in front of the musicians. With presenter Susanne Grünig and "Mrs. Muse" they are part of a lively concert in which the children by no means just sit still! Over the course of four concerts they get to know many different instruments and lots of music. The Dwarf Subscription is only available by subscription.

NDR Radiophilharmonie

Feb 14, 2026

Lübeck. Stanislav Kochanovsky & Truls Mørk

Nov 22, 2025

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