The Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with a series of events that blend classical music with rich cultural narratives. From the romantic tunes of Grieg's 'Peer Gynt' to the emotional depths of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, the upcoming events promise an unforgettable experience. With a lineup featuring renowned artists like conductor Tabita Berglund and violinist Renaud Capuçon, each performance offers a unique glimpse into the timeless world of orchestral music.

A Symphony of Culture: The Dresdner Philharmonie's 2025 Event Series

This season, the Dresdner Philharmonie invites audiences to a rich tapestry of musical experiences, ranging from dramatic orchestral pieces to enchanting choral compositions. Highlights include a grand finale open-air performance with Edvard Grieg’s 'Peer Gynt', the emotionally charged 'Tchaikovsky 5', and a delightful musical journey with 'Peter and the Wolf'. Each event brings together outstanding conductors, soloists, and innovative compositions, promising a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant world of classical music.

A Symphony of Cultures: Celebrating the Dresdner Philharmonie's Musical Tapestry

The Dresdner Philharmonie's upcoming 2026 concert series promises a captivating array of performances that span centuries, styles, and emotions. From the virtuosic charm of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto to the modern complexities of Shostakovich's symphonies, each event offers a unique auditory experience. Highlights include young Georgian composer Tsotne Zedginidze's premiere, a delightful exploration with Mozart in Paris, and the evocative organ works of Poulenc. This series invites audiences to explore diverse soundscapes, connecting the past and present through music's universal language.

Dresden Philharmonie's 2026 Concert Series: A Melodic Journey from Baroque to Modernity

In the heart of Dresden, the Dresdner Philharmonie is set to captivate audiences with a series of extraordinary events from January to March 2026. These musical gatherings feature renowned artists like Gabriela Montero, Anna Lapwood, and Boris Giltburg. The Philharmonie's lineup promises a blend of orchestral brilliance, organ virtuosity, and innovative multimedia collaborations. From symphonic narratives inspired by Ravel and Shostakovich to the emotive layers of Dvořák's 'New World' Symphony, attendees will experience the profound power of music intertwined with bold artistic expressions.

Dresdner Philharmonie's Spectacular Winter Event Series: A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Innovation

This March, the Dresdner Philharmonie presents a rich tapestry of musical events that celebrate diverse genres and artistic brilliance. From Alma Mahler's poignant songs to Berlioz's emotional Symphonie fantastique, from Schubert's intricate chamber music to Fritz Lang's iconic silent film with live organ accompaniment, each event promises a unique exploration of sound and expression. Discover how these performances bridge history and innovation, offering audiences a chance to experience the profound impact of music in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Exploring the Soundscapes of Dresden: A Journey Through Music and Innovation

Camille Saint-Saëns' Second Piano Concerto is one of the most versatile works in romantic piano literature. With its unusual structure, it begins like an improvised fantasy before building up to a virtuosic and rhythmically striking finale. Bertrand Chamayou, one of the leading pianists of his generation, interprets the work with technical brilliance and musical depth, effectively showcasing the contrasting moods of this concerto. Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique" is a milestone in program music, narrating in five movements the passionate and increasingly nightmarish vision of a young artist. The multifaceted instrumentation, ranging from lyrical melodies to dark sounds of the "Witches' Sabbath," makes the work an impressive example of romantic sonic art.

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Symphonie fantastique

Palace of Culture

Are you in the mood for drama, love, and a little bit of madness? Hector Berlioz invites you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with his "Symphonie fantastique"! This masterpiece is like a movie without a screen – everything happens in your mind. Berlioz tells the story of a young artist who is hopelessly in love. His emotions range in all directions: from romantic infatuation to wild jealousy to dark nightmares. The music is explosive, imaginative, and full of surprises. A highlight: the "Witches' Sabbath", where Berlioz pushes the boundaries of music and stages an eerie sound festival. The orchestra becomes a tool of pure emotion – from delicate harp sounds to thundering drums.

Best of Classics: Berlioz Fantastique

A music that doesn't need any explanation, that one understands all by itself? That's what the French composer Hector Berlioz wanted when he wrote his "Fantastic Symphony." He was heartbroken, and he composed his experiences directly into the music. In fact, while listening, we can imagine how someone falls in love, experiences happiness with the beloved woman, and how love fails. But of course, there are still some open questions – how does Berlioz manage to create so many different timbres? What role do the individual instruments play in this? Malte is on a quest to find answers for you...

Fantastic Symphony

There are not many instruments that are played simultaneously with hands and feet. The organ is one of them. It's not surprising that one has to use the whole body to make such a huge apparatus sound. Believe it or not, our organ in the Kulturpalast has a total of 4109 pipes! How to make them produce music, what a register is, what lies behind the strange word "manual," and much more will be learned at our school concert. Oh, and why is the organ actually in the concert hall and not in a church?

The Queen of Instruments

With "Elektra," Richard Strauss created one of the most gripping and emotionally intense works in opera literature. The story, based on the ancient tragedy, revolves around Elektra's relentless desire for revenge for the murder of her father.

Elektra

Gastkonzert in Dresden

Kulturpalast Dresden

A Journey to the Moon - as early as 1929, Fritz Lang dared to take a visionary look into the future with "Woman in the Moon". The silent film, based on a screenplay by Thea von Harbou, is considered one of the first serious science fiction films. With scientific precision and fantastic elements, it tells the story of an ambitious moon expedition, overshadowed by greed and betrayal. Lang's spirit of innovation is evident not only in the impressive special effects and the introduction of the now iconic countdown before the rocket launch, but also in his precise depiction of space travel technology - groundbreaking and remarkably forward-thinking at the time. On this evening, the film will be accompanied live by Cameron Carpenter, an exceptional artist on the organ. His virtuoso and unconventional playing style gives the classic a new dimension. An adventure for the eyes, ears, and imagination! Note: The program will be played without an intermission. A film from the collection of the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation (www.murnau-stiftung.de) in Wiesbaden.

Woman in the Moon

In the Octet in F major, Franz Schubert showcases his entire artistry. It combines lightness and depth, dance-like rhythms and intimate melodies that sound like a familiar conversation among friends. He was inspired by the famous septet of his predecessor Beethoven, but created something entirely unique: music that sounds like a great adventure, where each voice - from the string quartet to the clarinet, bassoon, and horn - brings its own character.

Schubert Octet

Alma Mahler's Seven Songs immediately lead us into the world of the turn of the century: emotions between melancholy and hope, set to music with a deep, almost intimate expressiveness. In the arrangement for medium voice and orchestra, they unfold a sonic dimension that both touches and inspires. On the other hand, Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, known as "From the New World," is quite different. It bridges the gap between two continents and pours the impressions of a life in foreign America into grand symphonic arches. Longing sounds here like a distant memory, pulsating yet full of vastness. Dvořák's famous English horn theme, often referred to as the "Song of the Lonely Wanderer," captivates as much as the dynamic contrasts between drama and delicate lyricism. An evening that explores completely different soundscapes – and shows how diverse musical longing can sound.

From the New World

Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 – also known as the New World Symphony – is one of the most popular works of classical music. Why? Because it goes straight to the heart! Dvořák wrote it in the USA, when he heard the sounds of spirituals and music of the indigenous population for the first time. He mixed these influences with his unmistakable style full of melodies that you can't get out of your head. The symphony takes you on a journey: from the longing English horn solo in the second movement, which sounds like a memory of home, to the thrilling finale that exudes pure spirit of adventure. And if you listen closely, you may even discover the film music that was later inspired by this symphony – from "Jaws" to "Star Wars"!

 Short & Casual The Curious One abgeFRACKt: New World

Creating a film to accompany a symphony is something special, after all, classical music is something abstract and leaves a lot of room for associations. But perhaps that is precisely the key. William Kentridge, to whom the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden have dedicated a focus in 2025, had plenty of associations with Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony and turned them into an impressive film for a visually-acoustic experience. Michael Sanderling, who enjoys an excellent reputation as a Shostakovich specialist, conducts this symphony while Kentridge's film is simultaneously shown on the big screen.

Kentridge and Shostakovich

Under the direction of Michael Sanderling, Dmitri Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony will be performed on the Dresden Memorial Day, a work deeply influenced by the experiences and traumas of the Stalin era. In it, Shostakovich processes darkness, pain, and hope that wrestle with each other in a very unique way. South African artist William Kentridge has created a film titled "Oh To Believe in Another World" for this piece, which interprets Shostakovich's symphony in a fascinating manner. With his characteristic collages, animations, and drawings, Kentridge takes a poetic look at the themes of loss and longing that resonate in the music. Music and film merge into a unique work of art that connects remembrance and art, while also forming a final accent of the Kentridge focus of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden 2025 (with exhibitions at the Albertinum, Kupferstich-Kabinett, and in the Puppet Theater Collection).

Sergei Rachmaninov's First Piano Sonata, created in Dresden, is one of the great works he composed in our city. He was inspired by Goethe's "Faust" and assigned one of the main characters to each of the three movements: Faust, Gretchen, and Mephisto. The piece marks the beginning of another evening in our series "Stars at the Piano", featuring none other than Artist in Residence Boris Giltburg. Following the sonata is an arrangement for piano of Prokofiev's ballet music "Romeo and Juliet" – an opportunity for Giltburg to present the tragic and tender moments of the famous love story with compelling clarity. Ravel's "Gaspard de la nuit", the third work of the evening, is inspired by dark poetry and pushes the limits of what is possible on the piano with its dream-like and devilishly difficult passages. The highly acclaimed pianist demonstrates in this recital why he is considered one of the outstanding musicians of his generation. By invitation of the Dresden Philharmonic in cooperation with DK Deutsche Klassik.

Giltburg with Rachmaninov

Our concert hall organ, the "orchestra in one instrument," is at the center of Francis Poulenc's Organ Concerto - a work full of contrasts. Sometimes deeply serious, almost sacred, then surprisingly playful, Poulenc combines tradition and modernity in a fascinating way. The soloist of the evening, Anna Lapwood, one of the most exciting organists of her generation, impresses with her virtuosity and her ability to engage people with classical music.

Lapwood with Poulenc

The organ is an instrument that for many creates a sense of reverent silence in churches rather than enjoyable music. But in this concert, it shows how versatile and modern the organ can be! Poulenc was a French composer who liked to play with musical contrasts: sacred meets secular, serious meets playful. His concert begins almost like a meditation - dark and mysterious - and suddenly the music breaks into lively, almost dance-like rhythms. The other piece, just recently composed for the organ in the famous Royal Albert Hall in London, captivates the listeners. It is a journey through moods and sounds that showcases the organ at its most exciting. Lean back and let yourself be surprised - maybe today you will discover your new favorite instrument!

abgeFRACKt: Roaring Whistles

Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major is probably the most excitingly orchestrated concerto for a solo instrument with orchestra. Cheerful and brilliant at the same time, it has been a favorite work of concert audiences since its premiere in 1932. It begins furiously with a crack of a whip, created by two pieces of wood connected by a hinge and struck together. The second, slow movement is often referred to as one of the most beautiful 'Songs without Words' in music history. It is embedded in the surreal circus atmosphere of the first movement with hints of Ravel's Basque homeland, blues and jazz souvenirs from his trips to America, and the rapid finale in the style of a perpetuum mobile. "La valse" by Ravel probably needs no description - the symphonic waltz is one of the most popular works of the 20th century and regularly excites the audience. The Concerto for Orchestra by the Polish composer Witold Lutosławski can also arouse enthusiasm. It was premiered with great success in Warsaw in 1954 and is the last work in which Lutosławski uses folkloric elements. With it, the composer has said everything he had to say in this musical language...

Ravel "La Valse"

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

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

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

Film and live music

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!

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

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

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

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 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

Help, the Herdmanns are coming

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.

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

"Christmas is humbug!" grumbles the grumpy moneylender Ebenezer Scrooge, as he sits alone at home on Christmas Eve after work. Christmas joy? Not for him! Neither his nephew, who invites him to the Christmas feast, nor children singing Christmas carols can soften him. But at the stroke of midnight, his life is turned upside down: the ghost of his deceased business partner Marley appears - laden with clanking chains and an eerie warning. Scrooge must change his ways, or else face a similar fate! Before he knows it, he is taken on a moving journey through past, present, and future by the spirits of Christmas. Faced with the consequences of his actions, the icy miser gradually transforms into a man who understands the true essence of Christmas. The dramatic reading is accompanied by festive English Christmas carols sung by the Philharmonic Choir - a atmospheric evening full of goosebumps and heartwarming moments!

A Christmas Carol

Advent singing Citizens' Choir

Mozart's piano trios are true gems of the Viennese Classical period: Light, elegant, and with a touch of humor, they showcase the brilliant side of the composer. His music radiates lightness, without ever being superficial - a delight for all who love classical music or want to discover it anew. Clara Schumann brings her own unique voice to the concert with her piano trio. Her music is poetic, passionate, and deeply moving - a glimpse into the emotional world of one of the most outstanding female musicians of the 19th century. Finally, Mendelssohn Bartholdy brings energy and drama to the room. His piano trio sparkles with melodious liveliness. It's no wonder that this work is among the most beloved in chamber music.

Mozart, Schumann, Mendelssohn

Such a powerful piano concerto had not been heard before. When Johannes Brahms premiered his First Piano Concerto in 1859, the audience was thrilled. Few knew how many years he had struggled to complete it. Initially, he wanted to write a sonata for two pianos, but that failed. Then he reworked his ideas for an orchestra, but he was still not satisfied. Finally, the saving idea came to him: to combine the orchestra and piano. Today, the piece is considered one of the most beautiful offerings of romantic music. Prokofiev's suites for Shakespeare's famous love story are also the result of a reworking, transforming the music from a complete ballet to pure orchestral music. He personally selected the most beautiful passages for this purpose. The result is like dramatic cinema for the ears...

Brahms Piano Concerto

"Romeo and Juliet" is known by almost everyone. It's no wonder, as the famous love drama by Shakespeare has been "translated" into various art forms over the centuries: from musicals to operas to purely orchestral music. The Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev succeeded in this with his ballet music in an outstanding way. After a short initial failure, it is now considered one of the best musical adaptations of the story. This is clearly due to its quality! Not only ballet enthusiasts, but also the concert audience couldn't get enough of it - on one hand, the melting melodies, and on the other hand, the dynamic dances, sometimes outrageously virtuosic, sometimes thrilling with their powerful rhythms. At the beginning of the concert, Malte Arkona briefly introduces the piece, and afterwards, he speaks in the After Concert Talk with the artists of the evening about what makes "Romeo and Juliet" so exciting for them.

Best of Classics: Romeo and Juliet

In this concert, you can expect pure romance! Robert Schumann's Second Symphony practically glows with energy, emotion, and vitality. Written during a time of personal crises, the music tells of inner struggle, but also of triumph and hope. The finale in particular is a true fireworks display, making Schumann's genius and unwavering will to live impressively palpable. On the other hand, Frédéric Chopin's First Piano Concerto transports its listeners to a world full of elegance and passion. With virtuosic runs and enchanting melodies, Chopin demonstrates why he was celebrated as one of the greatest pianists and composers of his time. As the icing on the cake, an overture by Fanny Hensel, the sister of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who was equally as talented as her brilliant brother, will be performed.

Schumann and Chopin

Film music on the concert organ, how does that work together? Anna Lapwood herself says: "In recent years, I have increasingly stopped defining music by genres, and started thinking about what music brings joy to me and my listeners. The boundaries between genres are so flexible anyway, and it's really fun to experiment with blurring these boundaries even more." You can feel this joy in this concert as well, when she plays her transcriptions from the films "The Da Vinci Code," "Interstellar," and "Pirates of the Caribbean" (Hans Zimmer) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (Alan Menken). In addition, classics such as the famous Prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach, which was turned into "Ave Maria" by Charles Gounod, and Benjamin Britten's "Four Sea Interludes" from the opera "Peter Grimes" can be heard, as well as new works written for Anna Lapwood.

Interstellar

Infinite expanses. When the nights get longer, it's worth taking a look at the dark sky. In addition to the moon and the many sparkling stars, the planets of our solar system are particularly visible - for example, the powerfully shining Jupiter, the bright Venus, or the red glowing Mars. Even the ancient Romans invented stories about the planets visible to the naked eye. But it was the English composer Gustav Holst who set them to music. And so we embark on a musical journey through the universe. But what about Phili? Is our little meerkat girl flying along, or does she have completely different ideas? Stay tuned to find out!

phil to explore ...in the vastness of outer space

British chamber music paired with a masterpiece of German Romanticism - in this concert, we bring together unjustly unknown pieces with rightfully famous ones. Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor is part of the musical heritage, like Beethoven's symphonies, and is just as popular today as classics like the Fifth Symphony. On the other hand, Arnold Bax, the British composer born in 1883, was a star in his homeland during his lifetime but later almost fell into obscurity. He was never quite well-known here. However, he has written beautiful music! His First String Quartet is full of romantic melodies and captivates listeners immediately. Our Composer in Residence, James MacMillan, contributes another work from the island with his Second String Quartet, which even music critics rave about, describing it as a "captivating, powerful masterpiece" that captivates narratively and emotionally.

Collenbusch with Brahms

James MacMillan is Scottish, just like our chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles. Both have known and respected each other for many years, so it is no wonder that MacMillan dedicated one of his symphonies to his friend. This symphony, the fourth of our Composer in Residence, contains everything that defines his composing style: opulent melodies stand alongside rich soundscapes, tight marches alongside harmonies reminiscent of Bach. The listeners are not safe from apparent coincidences - perhaps not surprising, considering MacMillan is a big football fan and loves the unpredictability of the game. In addition, one of the most popular symphonic works in English music, Holst's "The Planets," will be performed - continuing our British Festival with this concert.

Sir Donald with Holst

Gustav Holst's "The Planets" takes you on a musical journey through our solar system - but not as you might expect! Instead of dry astronomy, Holst brings the different planets to life with dramatic and exciting sounds. Each planet has its own mood: For example, the planet Mars, named after the ancient god of war, is portrayed with powerful, almost threatening rhythms. Venus, the goddess of love, on the other hand, sounds gentle and peaceful. Holst composed the music in a way that allows you to feel the characters of the planets directly - from the energy of wild Jupiter to the mysterious silence of Neptune. It is an exciting, slightly different classical experience that will both captivate and amaze you. Get ready to discover the planets in a whole new way!

abgeFRACKt: The Planets

Beethoven's piano sonatas are profound explorations of the great themes of music, life, and human existence. They are among the greatest masterpieces in the history of music and reflect both his personal journey and the evolution of music. For his concert, Víkingur Ólafsson has chosen Sonatas No. 27 and 30. The latter is considered one of the summit works of piano literature. It combines clarity and depth, and especially the second movement, a meditative Adagio, allows space for intimate reflection, while the finale, with its varying themes, showcases Beethoven's creativity. Beethoven's great predecessor, Johann Sebastian Bach, and one of his famous successors, Franz Schubert, are also featured in the program with other works, highlighting significant events in European piano music. Invited by the Dresden Philharmonic in cooperation with DK Deutsche Klassik.

Víkingur with Beethoven

With this concert, Sir Donald Runnicles assumes his position as chief conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic and simultaneously opens our British Festival. The evening, full of European and British music history, begins with Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis," a deeply emotional and majestic piece that highlights the beauty of the English music tradition. William Walton's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra puts the larger sister of the violin in the spotlight. With virtuosic solo passages and dynamic orchestral accompaniment, this piece creates goosebump moments and showcases the viola in all its versatility and expressiveness. The crowning finale is Johannes Brahms' Fourth Symphony, a masterpiece that initially faced challenges at its inception. Its beginning appeared too abstract to contemporaries. Today, 140 years after its creation, the poetry of this beginning, the exuberance of the third movement, and the solemnity of the finale make Brahms' Fourth one of the most beloved symphonies of all time.

Sir Donald with Brahms

In November 1938, Elfriede and Otto Silbermann find themselves on the edge of their world. Bewilderment and silent agreements accompany their last hours together in their homeland. Elfriede desperately fights to salvage what can still be saved, while her Jewish husband Otto rushes from station to station in flight. However, their son still dreams of a better life in Paris. A brother-in-law who changes with the wind, and the harsh reality of persecution and betrayal, shape their days. In a world where antisemitism and the threat to democratic values are once again becoming prominent, "The Traveler" tells a poignant tale of escape and displacement, of lost fundamental rights and the powerlessness of love. This powerful melodrama for speakers, soloists, choir, orchestra, and multimedia not only sheds light on the dark sides of violence and injustice but also on the hope, longing, and humanity that still find their place even in the greatest despair. As part of the commemorative year "80 years since the end of World War II".

The Traveler

In search of adventures, a cheeky, funny, and curious trumpet encounters many other musical instruments. It simply breaks out of its cramped tower room, where it lives with other brass instruments, and embarks on an adventurous journey. Along the way, it encounters many other musical instruments one after the other: in a garden, it meets the strings with their delicate soft sound, and in the forest, it encounters the agile woodwinds. Later, marching percussion instruments come towards it on the street. In the end, all the instruments come together to form an orchestra to give a grand concert. Grades 1-4

The adventures of the little trumpet

Stefan Dohr is a living legend. The principal horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic is considered one of the best in the world, if not the best horn player of the present time. Together with the brass players of our orchestra, he opens up a whole musical world, ranging from the brass serenades of Antonín Dvořák and Richard Strauss to Bernstein's "West Side Story" and the famous fanfare by Aaron Copland, composed in 1942 for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, which still stands for the strength and unwavering spirit of the "ordinary person." This exclamation also has a response! It comes from Joan Tower, whose "Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman" also comes from the American music tradition and highlights the extraordinary role of women - powerful, yet in their own way.

Dvořák and Bernstein

Choir and tango? And even a liturgical text together with the most sensual of all dances, how does that fit together? Very well, as you can hear in this concert. In fact, it is a concert of discoveries. Because when do you ever hear a bandoneon in a concert hall? The sister of the accordion was invented in Chemnitz and began its triumphal march when the bandoneon made its entrance into South American tango orchestras at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, it has become indispensable and is praised in Argentina as "the best German invention." String orchestra, bandoneon, piano, and our Philharmonic Choir - let yourself be taken into a musical world full of passion, pride, and sensuality! The concert is part of the Czech-German Cultural Days.

Tango mass

What would a painting sound like if it were music? The Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky tried it out and the result was his famous "Pictures at an Exhibition". On a bustling market, vendors quarrel, a limping gnome sneaks by, chirping chicks hatch from their eggshells and dance a ballet. Together with the orchestra and Malte Arkona, we also encounter the evil witch Baba Yaga, meet children playing in the park, visit an old castle, and walk through the Great Gate of Kiev. Can't imagine it? Then come with your class to the Kulturpalast for the school concert!

Pictures of an exhibition

Beethoven himself played the world premiere of his Third Piano Concerto. For him, it was not a problem at all, as he knew exactly what he wanted to hear. Quite the opposite for the conductor and musicians! He had not yet finished writing the notes for the orchestra, so the accompaniment was a real adventure. However, this performance was already a great success, and today the concerto is considered one of the most beautiful piano concerts of all time. The "Reformation Symphony" is also a musical monument full of radiance and depth. Majestic sounds meet festive hymns, while the famous melody "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" leads the symphony to its climax. This work is a passionate expression of faith and hope that touches both the heart and the mind.

Beethoven Piano Concerto

The Fifth Symphony by Dmitri Shostakovich was composed in 1937 during a time of great personal and political tension. After facing criticism of his music from the Soviet government, he had to prove himself once again - and created a work that impressed both the regime and deeply moved his audience. Full of tragedy, hope, and subtle irony, Shostakovich's symphony reflects his courage and genius. Today, in this gripping masterpiece, one can hear the power of a composer who used music as the language of the soul. Equally captivating is the Violin Concerto by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Nordic expanses, passionate melodies, and virtuosic solos merge into an unparalleled auditory experience. The violin tells tales of longing and adventure, of quiet moments and powerful outbursts. This concerto is a celebration for the senses - captivating, touching, and unforgettable.

Shostakovich 5

Although violin and cello are essentially siblings, there were no significant double concertos for these two instruments before Brahms. He actually only wrote one because he had two special artist colleagues in mind for whom he wanted to compose something: the famous violinist Joseph Joachim and the cellist Robert Hausmann. However, it was a complete success, and today the concerto is among the most popular and frequently performed of its kind. Completed unfinished - that's how one could also call Franz Schubert's Symphony in B minor, because even without the "missing" movements, it is a masterpiece. Moreover, it is full of secrets. To this day, it is not known why Schubert did not finish it, nor why a friend kept it locked away for 40 years. It is also unknown why Schubert wrote it in the key of B minor, which was unusual in his time. However, all of this does not diminish the work, on the contrary, with each listening one can discover something new and be amazed.

Schubert Unfinished

Sister and brother, that's how one could call violin and cello. Because these two string instruments are related simply by having four strings and being played with a bow. Sister and brother are also the ones playing these two instruments in our concert. Charlotte and Friedrich Thiele come from a musician family in Dresden and have already had remarkable solo careers. In our short concert, they will perform a piece for violin, cello, and orchestra by Johannes Brahms, in which they showcase their love for the instrument and at the same time bring out the beauty of this masterpiece of Romanticism.

abgeFRACKt: Connected

"The greatest artwork the world has ever seen" - at least that's what the head of the Berlin Sing-Akademie, Carl Friedrich Zelter, thought in 1811, over 60 years after Bach's death, about his Mass in B minor. But even without this superlative, it is the work of the master that is still the most frequently performed worldwide and is even said to make die-hard atheists contemplate. It is considered the peak of Bach's work and is the last major work that he was able to complete shortly before his death. For the Dresden Chamber Choir and Hans-Christoph Rademann, it is also a summit in a way, as the choir, together with the Dresden Philharmonic, will perform it as the highlight of its 40th anniversary year.

Bach B Minor Mass

Anyone can sing - singing together in a choir is not only a lot of fun, but there is so much beautiful music to discover and wonderful friendships are formed along the way. In the Philharmonic Children's Choir, it never gets boring, and because our meerkat girl Phili knows that, she will surely come up with some jokes and stir everything up - then Malte will have to bring order back in, otherwise it might sound even worse. But don't worry, choir director Gunter Berger will surely conjure up heavenly sounds with the choir - even Phili will feel like joining in.

phil to explore... in the Philharmonic Children's Choir

For many, Prokofiev's fairy tale is the ultimate musical childhood memory. Whether the bassoon as the grandfather or the oboe as the voice of the duck leaves a stronger impression - for children, a performance of this classic is usually unforgettable, and in this concert they can even experience the instruments right in the middle of the orchestra, as the audience sits directly among the musicians on stage.

Right in the middle - Peter and the Wolf

"Peter and the Wolf," that's the one with the grandfather and the bassoon! For many, Prokofiev's fairy tale is the ultimate musical childhood memory. Whether the bassoon as the grandfather or the oboe as the voice of the duck is more memorable - for children, a performance of this classic is usually unforgettable, and in addition, they also get to learn about the instruments of a large symphony orchestra.

Peter and the Wolf

It was composed at the beginning of the last century in the hot, sunny regions of Italy, but the triumphant success of Jean Sibelius' Second Symphony was celebrated in his homeland of Finland in the far north. This was also because his countrymen heard in it a kind of manifesto against the tsarist yoke. To this day, especially the slow movement is a kind of national anthem for the Finns, and the finale has something "magical that puts us in ecstasy like the shaman's magic drum," as a compatriot of Sibelius wrote. We have combined this symphony with a work that was created about 100 years earlier and still breathes a little of Mozart's spirit. In his First Piano Concerto, Beethoven had already developed his own means, for example, he used clarinets, trumpets, and timpani for the first time ever in a piano concerto. Boris Giltburg presents himself with this masterpiece for the first time as our Artist in Residence.

Beethoven and Sibelius

"Clara, today I was in bliss. During the rehearsal, a symphony by Franz Schubert was played. If only you had been there. It is indescribable. It's like human voices... like a novel in four volumes..." This was written by Robert Schumann to his future wife after an orchestral rehearsal in Leipzig. To this day, this symphony is considered a masterpiece of its genre. Impressive not only for its length of almost an hour, but above all musically, it encompasses everything that continues to captivate classical music audiences. Starting with the solemn beginning of the horns, through grand musical arcs and captivating melodies, all the way to the sophisticated use of instruments. Sophisticated and impressive is also the flute, specifically in the flute concerto of the 19th century. Composed by the former conductor of the Gewandhaus, it is performed by Kathrin Bäz, the principal flutist of the Dresden Philharmonic."

Schubert in C major

A symphony is always a large piece of music – and a lot of work for the orchestra. But if he also calls the piece "Great Symphony," how long does it actually last? And: What secret is hidden behind the horn calls at the beginning? And what is a "harmonic series"? But don't worry! Boredom is guaranteed not to arise at this concert. Because Franz Schubert tells a story with his composition that can only be told with music: mysterious, dramatic, but also sad or cheerful – and in the end with a solemn triumph. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of orchestral sound.

Schubert's Great Symphony

"The Domestic Symphony" - that's exactly what the title "Sinfonia domestica" means, and Richard Strauss delivers on it! There is a striking melody for the wife, an equally memorable one for her husband, and even their child - charmingly played by the oboe d'amore - has their own appearances. And what happens? Essentially, Strauss has composed a musical family soap opera with visits from relatives, the child's crying, arguments between the spouses, and reconciliation including a love scene. Then everyone falls asleep, and when the alarm clock rings at seven in the morning, everything leads to a cheerful family finale. On the other hand, Beethoven's Violin Concerto is a more classical piece, one of the most popular works for this instrument. With the striking timpani motif at the beginning, the delicacy of the second movement, and the hunting theme in the finale, it has become ingrained in the ears of its audience.

Beethoven and Strauss

"A piece of wood that screeches at the top and hums at the bottom" - not a very flattering description for a cello. This quote comes from Antonín Dvořák himself, who composed one of the most beautiful cello concertos ever. Anyone who listens to this music knows: Dvořák must have secretly loved the cello. He wrote the concerto in the winter of 1894/95 in New York, but American influences are not evident in it. Instead, it contains everything we love and appreciate about Dvořák: wonderfully melodic tunes, often tinged with sounds from Dvořák's homeland of Bohemia, grand dramatic crescendos, and lyrical goosebump-inducing moments. And for the cellist, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase the qualities of their instrument. In our performance, cellist legend Truls Mørk plays, from whom Tabita Berglund herself learned. Before starting her career as a conductor, she studied the cello! For her debut as the First Guest Conductor, she has also chosen Bartók's "Concerto for Orchestra," whose finale can confidently be described as one of the most thrilling, ecstatic movements in 20th-century music.

Dvořák Cello Concerto

Over 2500 applicants and auditions in 25 European cities - every year, the most talented young musicians from all over Europe apply for this orchestra. What the very best among them achieve under the direction of the most esteemed conductors worldwide is breathtaking. It is no wonder they speak of "dedication and enthusiasm" when talking about their passion for making music together. This time, they are our guests with Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, a kind of musical psychogram of the composer that oscillates between soaring heights and deep despair. The four movements are a ride through all emotions for the audience as well... Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Violin Concerto in G major is popular not least because he draws from it abundantly - from divine harmony to satanic rage, one can experience the entire spectrum of emotions. In this concert, it will be performed by the French violinist Renaud Capuçon. Invited by the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra

Tchaikovsky 5

O Täler weit, o Höhen

Kirche Rechenberg-Bienenmühle

Drama meets Romance: When the Norwegian national poet Henrik Ibsen and his compatriot, the Norwegian Edward Grieg, met in Rome in 1866, they immediately hit it off. It's no wonder that Ibsen later asked the composer to write the music for his play "Peer Gynt" - at that time, it was almost unthinkable to stage a major theater production without incidental music. But as good as the music was - it would have long been forgotten if Grieg had not compiled it into two suites for orchestra. Today, the work, with the flute melody from "Morning Mood" or the striking sounds of the bassoon in "In the Hall of the Mountain King," is considered quintessential romantic music. As a grand finale to the Dresden City Festival, the Dresden Philharmonic will present it open-air on Theaterplatz under the direction of Tabita Berglund - who could be more suitable for this than the newly appointed First Guest Conductor from Norway?

Peer Gynt

Theaterplatz

Note: These concerts replace the concert series "Legends" and "Kid's Night", which were originally supposed to take place as part of the Film Nights at the Elbe River. An evening with the classics of film music that brings to life the worlds of Harry Potter, Gladiator, Batman, Indiana Jones, and Game of Thrones. The focus is on the compositions of Hans Zimmer and John Williams - arguably the greatest masters of their craft. The audience votes during the concert on which music delivers the biggest goosebumps moments. After the concert, the lounge and drinks invite you to linger and end the evening in a summery atmosphere. A highlight for film fans and lovers of great melodies. Suitable for children aged 5 and above.

Blockbuster Battle: Hans Zimmer vs. John Williams

Dvořák and Beethoven

In the concerts of the series "Best of Classical Music," you will hear the most famous works of classical music. A brief introduction at the beginning will guide you through the piece and provide listening tips. The entire work will then be performed. Afterwards, we would be happy to welcome you to our bar on the 1st floor, where our host will meet with the conductor for an artist talk. This conversation will not be strictly academic - rather, we aim to take you into the personal world of our guests. About the concert: One of the unsolved mysteries of music history, a fast tempo, and a motif of death. All this and much more is contained in Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, which many consider to be his most cheerful and positive. It is no wonder, as the first movement already features dance-like rhythms, and in the final movement, the musicians really go all out. Some parts of the first movement resemble a Mozart symphony so much, even though Beethoven was not familiar with it, that one suspects a different influence. But what is it? That remains a secret to this day. The slow movement is also mysterious, with a haunting motif that evokes sadness and death. It is not easily forgotten.

Best of Classics: Beethoven 7

Get to know the Kulturpalast Dresden on a guided tour lasting about one hour! After a welcome in the entrance area, our guides will first show you the foyers with their listed details and tell you about the history of the building. After a walk through the new central library, you will visit the heart of the Kulturpalast, the new concert hall. Here you will learn how the renovation succeeded in creating a visually and above all acoustically outstanding hall. While you test the comfortable armchairs, questions about the acoustics and the technical details of the hall and the organ will also be explained.

Guided tours through the Kulturpalast

How much personal life do composers allow to flow into their works? And can you hear it? The musicians of the Collenbusch Quartet have selected three works that are strongly influenced by the experiences of their creators. In the case of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski, it is the First World War, which he experienced on his parents' country estate in what is now Ukraine: In his string quartet, he looks back musically and into the future. Similarly, Shostakovich composed his Third String Quartet at the end of the Second World War. But not in a gloomy, tragic way, but rather in a darkly humorous way, in which he allows the pain to come across as almost musically light-footed. The Czech national composer Smetana had an inkling when he wrote his quartet that he would soon be deaf. In a way, the result is an autobiography in sound

Collenbusch Quartett

Benjamin Britten anticipated that the Second World War would break out soon. He couldn't stay in England and boarded a ship to Canada. One can hear in his music how unbearable this must have been for him as a committed pacifist. During the voyage, he composed his Violin Concerto in D minor, which will be performed by Augustin Hadelich in our concert. Dmitri Shostakovich's Eighth Symphony also reflects this war, although composed on the other side, in Stalin's Soviet Union. For Shostakovich, it was a balancing act: he didn't want to write optimistic music, but it couldn't be tragic either. The result is a work that mirrors these contradictions. Michael Sanderling is considered one of the leading Shostakovich experts among today's conductors. He experienced his father's close friendship with the composer as a child. JUNE 13: Concert as part of the Dresden Music Festival.

Sanderling and Hadelich

He had a premonition of World War II breaking out imminently. Therefore, Benjamin Britten decided he could no longer stay in England, and left for Canada in 1939. The difficulty of his situation as an outspoken pacifist can be heard in his music as well. Even during the Atlantic crossing, he worked on his Violin Concerto in D-minor, whose solo part will be played at the Kulturpalast by Augustin Hadelich, known for his outstanding technique and the profound emotion and conviction of his interpretations. Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony also bears the signs of war. Composed in Stalin’s Soviet Union, it was a balancing act for its creator: he did not want to write optimistic music, yet he was not permitted to write tragic music. The resulting work reflects these contradictions. Michael Sanderling – the conductor of the evening and chief conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic from 2011 to 2019 – is considered one of the leading Shostakovich experts of our time, having witnessed during his childhood the close personal friendship of his father with the composer.

Hadelich —  Dresden Philharmonic — Sanderling

With a large orchestra, one can tell whole stories. And one of the greatest musical storytellers was undoubtedly Igor Stravinsky. The sounds and rhythms he conjured up caused scandals more than 100 years ago, but today they inspire us to create grand images like in the cinema. This is also the case with the tale of the "Firebird" with all its sophisticated colors and instruments: eerie and dark sounds for the immortal sorcerer Kastchei, bright colors for the Firebird, and folkloric music for the prince and princess. Unusual orchestral instruments like tambourine and xylophone are also included. JUN 7: Concert as part of the Dresden Music Festival Please note: There will only be a concert introduction on 07.06.

Stravinsky Firebird

A symphony orchestra can tell complete stories. And one of the most important storytellers was doubtlessly Igor Stravinsky. The sounds and rhythms he conjured were scandalous more than 100 years ago; today, they inspire us to imagine cinematic scenes. This is also true of the legend of the firebird with all its sophisticated colors and instruments. Before this eternally fascinating orchestral work, the Dresden Philharmonic interprets Tan Dun’s »Fire Ritual« for violin and orchestra, under the baton of its principal guest conductor Kahchun Wong and with the violinist Josef Špaček as the soloist – the former and, at the time, youngest-ever concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic. The work was composed in 2018, inspired by ceremonial music from the Chinese court. This program, packed with legends and fairytales, begins with the »Dance of the Seven Veils« from the ballet »Salome«, composed in 1948 and reworked in 1987 by the Japanese composer Akira Ifukube, who is most well-known for his compositions for the Kaijū film genre.

Špaček — Dresden Philharmonic — Wong

With a large orchestra, one can tell whole stories. One of the greatest musical storytellers was undoubtedly Igor Stravinsky. The sounds and rhythms conjured by him caused scandals more than 100 years ago - today, on the other hand, they inspire us to create grand images like in the cinema. This is also the case with the tale of the "Firebird" with all its sophisticated colors and instruments: eerie and dark sounds for the immortal sorcerer Kashchey, bright colors for the Firebird, and folkloric music for the prince and princess. Unusual orchestral instruments such as tambourine and xylophone are also included.

Firebird

When the Dresden Philharmonic Choir and the Oslo Philharmonic Choir give a joint concert, fans of choral music can look forward to excellent choral singing, of course, but also to the special atmosphere that is created when two musical and vocal cultures present themselves at the same time. Works by Grieg and Nystedt bring Scandinavian flair, while Brahms and F. Hensel represent the tradition of German choral music.

Northern Lights - Norwegian and German choral music

Lukaskirche

It is already a beautiful tradition: Once a year, amateur choirs from Dresden gather to sing together and get to know each other at the Kulturpalast. This time as well, one can admire the diversity, skill, and passion with which people in Dresden sing!

7th Dresden Choir Day

The genesis of the Mozart Requiem, which tragically turned out to be the composer’s own swan song, is cloaked in mystery. The legend begins in 1791 with an unknown »grey messenger« ordering a mass for the dead. Mozart, however, died before completing the work, a task that fell to his student Franz Xaver Süßmayr. Musically, the Requiem marks a culminating point in the composer’s oeuvre. The choral passages stand testament to his highest mastery, challenging choristers with harmonically demanding passages and compelling fugues. The work offers a fulfilling musical experience for all those performing it – and by booking singalong tickets for this concert, you can join the renowned Kreuzchor from Dresden under the baton of its cantor Martin Lehmann in singing this iconic choral work, actively partaking of all its august beauty and dramatic intensity.

Sing With Us! — Mozart Requiem

Kreuzkirche, Dresden

In our abFRACKt series, a few things are different: the concert lasts a maximum of one hour, the musicians don't play in black tails, and nobody has to worry about clapping in the wrong place.

abgeFRACKt: Romeo and Juliet

There are not many instruments that are played simultaneously with hands and feet. The organ is one of them. It's not surprising that you have to use your whole body to make such a huge apparatus sound. Our organ in the Kulturpalast has a whopping 4109 pipes! How to make them produce music, what a register is, what hides behind the strange word "manual," and much more will be revealed in our school concert. Oh, and why is the organ actually in the concert hall and not in a church?

Music with 4109 pipes

With the concert, we explore musical boundaries, or rather: the brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen do, together with the two percussionists Alexej Gerassimez and Emil Kuyumcuyan. They present a diverse program that focuses on rhythms and sounds. John Adams' rapid "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" is virtually a musical adrenaline rush, which in this arrangement for piano and percussion unleashes all its pulsating energy in a concentrated form. Fazil Say's Variations for two pianos and percussion combine Turkish folk music with energetic modern sounds. Steve Reich's Quartet for two pianos and two vibraphones is hypnotic and precise - minimalist music that unfolds a unique pull through its shimmering patterns. The Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story," on the other hand, bring Broadway to the concert stage: passionate, dramatic, and full of dance rhythms. By invitation of the Dresden Philharmonic in cooperation with DK Deutsche Klassik.

Jussen Brothers

Kulturpalast

Claude Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" is a masterpiece of Impressionism. Inspired by a poem by the Symbolist Stéphane Mallarmé, the music paints the picture of a dreaming faun on a warm afternoon. With floating flute sounds and gentle harmonies, Debussy transports us into a world between dream and reality – a sensory delight in sound. Not many works of the 20th century are as naturally included in concert programs today as the music of Maurice Duruflé, who passed away in 1986. Particularly his sacred vocal music continues to enjoy enduring popularity, surely also due to its accessible musical language. Duruflé had little interest in breaking with tradition; in his 1947 Requiem, he engaged with the model of the two generations older Gabriel Fauré and let his enthusiasm for Gregorian chant run free. However, the work is not backward-looking: Contrary to the operatic settings of the Requiem in the 19th century, Duruflé focused less on the pains of the Last Judgment and more on the otherworldly redemption. Chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles and the MDR Radio Choir infuse this work with a special intensity through their sensitivity and beauty of sound.

Sir Donald with Debussy

Today we immerse ourselves in the world of ancient myths. But don't worry! It's not about fear and terror, but about the forest and the fields. A large piece of nature is making its way into the cultural palace - and in the midst of it all: the flute, with which many composers have told wonderful stories. Claude Debussy already wondered: What does a faun experience on an afternoon? And Gabriel Fauré wrote wonderfully melancholic melodies for the flute, which one may have heard somewhere before. But who are the nymph Syrinx and the Pan, who chases after her? Phili wants to know exactly - and Malte surely has the right answers once again.

phil to explore ...with delicate flute colors

Crossover - Weber meets JazzThis text suggests a fusion or collaboration between the music of Weber and Jazz.

Raphael Attila Vogl demonstrates the diverse sounds of the organ in a program that brings works from Bach to Bruckner to life through impressive transcriptions. The opening piece is Carl Maria von Weber's Overture to "Der Freischütz," which surprises with dramatic contrasts and a romantic sound ideal - in the version for organ, it unfolds with an almost orchestral force. Johann Sebastian Bach's Third Brandenburg Concerto in G major, originally intended for strings, becomes a virtuosic challenge in the organ transcription, emphasizing the clarity and brilliance of the Baroque period. With an excerpt from Max Reger's String Quartet in E-flat major, Vogl adds a chamber music touch that preserves the sonic intimacy of the original while exploring the vastness of the instrument. The conclusion is the finale from Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 8 - a monumental work whose transcendent power gains even more grandeur in the organ arrangement. Invited by the Dresden Philharmonic.

Bach Reger Bruckner

Our Easter concert brings together masterpieces that radiate lightness, elegance, and a connection to nature. Sergei Prokofiev's "Classical Symphony" opens the evening with charm and wit. Inspired by Haydn, Prokofiev wrote a symphony that combines tradition with modernity - airy, clear, and full of surprising twists.

Classical music for Easter

What happens when classical meets jazz? George Gershwin achieved exactly that with his "Concerto in F." A concert that sounds like New York in the 1920s: vibrant, pulsating, full of energy. Gershwin, a true jazz prodigy, became an overnight star with his piece "Rhapsody in Blue." But with the "Concerto in F," he proved that he could not only write for the stage and clubs but also for the concert hall. Right from the start, the piano takes the listeners on a rapid run, almost like a wild taxi ride through Manhattan. The music tells of everything that inspired Gershwin: jazz clubs in Harlem, crowds on Broadway, and the pure excitement of a city that never sleeps. It's a bit like a musical adventure: from cheerful melodies that invite you to sway along, to emotional passages that go straight to the heart. Gershwin shows that classical music can be anything – cool, captivating, and full of surprises.

abgeFRACKt: Two Worlds, one Groove

George Gershwin wrote his Concerto in F in 1925 amidst the pulsating New York City. The work combines the elegance of classical forms with the exuberant energy of jazz – a music reflecting the city itself: loud, vibrant, full of surprises. From the first drumbeat to the final cadenza, the concerto sparkles with joy of life. Gershwin knew how to tell stories – and Boris Giltburg, Artist in Residence, brings them to life. With his delicate balance of virtuosity and sensitivity to nuances, he unfolds the full color spectrum of this extraordinary work. With his First Symphony composed in 1935, William Walton holds up a mirror to its time of creation: between urgent rhythms and sonic depths, one can feel the restlessness of the 1930s – intense, dark, but also overwhelmingly beautiful. In the first three movements, a gripping blend of energy, drama, and melancholy unfolds – from dark intensity to delicate, lyrical moments. The final movement, completed later, brings about the triumphant resolution. The symphony is considered one of the most significant works in British music, impressing with its emotional depth and orchestral power.

Giltburg with Gershwin

At the center of the concert evening is the brilliant Jess Gillam, one of the most exciting musicians of our time. With her soprano saxophone, she combines technical virtuosity and charismatic stage presence like rarely seen. Two works put the saxophone in the spotlight: Dave Heath's "The Celtic" and James MacMillan's Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and String Orchestra. Both works are tailor-made for Jess Gillam. Heath's "The Celtic" combines Celtic melancholy with rhythmic energy, while MacMillan's work explores the boundaries of the instrument's timbres and expressive possibilities. His most famous is certainly the Ninth, but for many, Antonín Dvořák's Seventh Symphony is his best. This music feels rugged and melancholic, yet compact and strict. There is no superfluous note here, every motif is worked through, every counterpoint has something to say. No question: this is not cozy folk music from a Bohemian village tavern, but highly concentrated symphonic music in the spirit of Beethoven and Brahms.

Dvořák 7

It is rare for an instrument to bear the name of its inventor. Like the saxophone, which was first created in the early 1840s as an experiment for brass bands, but soon made the Frenchman Adolphe Sax world-famous. The success of the instrument was so great that gradually a whole family emerged: from the small sopranino (just 29 cm long) to soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone – up to the powerful bass instruments. They all share the golden yellow color of the shiny polished brass – and of course, the characteristic sound that makes the saxophone unique in jazz as well as on the concert stage. Grades 5-8

Saxophone!

In three short concerts, we show how versatile classical music can be. With Jess Gillam at the center, a musician who makes the saxophone shine like no other. Her energy and enthusiasm for music are absolutely contagious - even if you are not familiar with classical concerts so far.

Long Night of Theater

The wind players of the Dresden Philharmonic lead through various sound worlds: Richard Dubugnon's "Frenglish Suite" charmingly combines French elegance and British wit. Erkki-Sven Tüür's "Architectonics I," on the other hand, is a modern sound experiment - like an exciting architectural journey through music. György Orbán's Quintet impresses with rhythmic drive and Hungarian temperament, while James MacMillan's "Untold" touches with its intensity and emotionality. The conclusion is Carl Nielsen's Quintet, a masterpiece full of warmth, lightness, and typical Nordic melancholy.

Wind quintet

Bruckner's Second Symphony is often referred to as the "Symphony of Pauses." But do not worry: these pauses are not silent, but full of tension and give the music room to breathe. A music that was initially considered unplayable by contemporaries. The Vienna Philharmonic initially rejected the work, deeming it far too long. Bruckner shortened it, rented the large hall at the Musikverein at his own expense, rehearsed thoroughly with the orchestra - and was successful. And what a success it was, the applause of the premiere audience on October 26, 1773, seemed never-ending. Bruckner himself later referred to it as the "most memorable day of my life." Today, the symphony is somewhat overshadowed by its successors, but unjustly so. Everything that Bruckner enthusiasts appreciate: the grand arcs of tension, the delicate as well as the powerful moments, the abrupt pauses and new beginnings - they are all already present here. Christoph Eschenbach is considered a Bruckner specialist; that is why we have invited him to conduct it.

Eschenbach with Bruckner

Singing is fun and good for you. This is known by all children who sing in a choir - whether it's in the Philharmonic Children's Choir, the school choir, or elsewhere. And we want many more children to experience this! That's why we invite all school choirs to join us in singing in the concert hall. The sheet music will be provided in advance, and of course, there will be a rehearsal together before the concert. So just sign up and participate! Grades 1-5

Dresden school choirs sing

Mozart's Piano Concerto in D minor is one of his most exciting works and, even 200 years after its creation, has lost none of its power. The key of D minor alone shows that this is not about light entertainment. This music tells of great emotions: drama, longing, and passion. He wrote the concerto at a time when he was exploring new paths with his music and bravely experimenting. Particularly impressive is the dialogue between the piano and the orchestra - sometimes they are adversaries, sometimes they merge together. The melodies are so captivating that they became famous even back then and still move people today. At the beginning, Malte Arkona introduces the concerto, and afterwards, you can ask your own questions during the After Concert Talk. So, a concert that not only allows you to listen but also to participate - an experience for all the senses!

Best of Classics: Mozart Piano Concerto

Mieczysław Weinberg's Sinfonietta No. 1 is a work full of lightness and accessibility. However, behind the optimistic sound lies a disturbing story. Composed in 1948, the piece was created in the midst of Stalin's anti-Semitic campaign. Officially celebrated as "bright and optimistic," it met political expectations without betraying Weinberg's progressive composition style. With hints of Jewish folk music, clever variations, and a touch of Shostakovich, it remains a fascinating balancing act between conformity and artistic freedom. Mozart's Piano Concerto KV 466 appears as a contrast, but in its key of D minor, it is also a work full of dramatic depth. Mozart wrote it during a time of personal upheaval and suffering. In a quasi-reconciliatory manner, the concert concludes with Glazunov's "The Seasons," bringing nature to life in vibrant orchestral colors.

Mozart and Glazunov

Grigory Sokolov is a legend. Describing him as one of the most significant pianists of the present day is not an assertion, but a widely confirmed fact. Critics of high standing admit that they lack the right words to describe his art. But perhaps one doesn't even need words, but rather be convinced by him directly. "Art is a parallel universe to reality," he says, and proves it in a unique way in each of his concerts. And as always, he keeps it exciting: he announces his programs at short notice. Thus, the anticipation of a reliably unforgettable concert experience can blend with the expectation of the unexpected when the pianist unfolds his magic touch with music from the Baroque, Viennese Classical, or Romantic periods. By invitation of the Dresden Philharmonic in cooperation with DK Deutsche Klassik.

Grigory Sokolov

Bach - Britten - Pärt - MacMillan: On the "Day of Liberation" on May 8th, we musically bridge to Great Britain with our Philharmonic Choirs and present a program that illuminates different musical approaches to themes such as peace, remembrance, and spirituality. In his "Sinfonia da Requiem," Benjamin Britten combines liturgical elements with his personal musical language. Created against the backdrop of World War II, the composition stands as a monument and plea for peace and humanity. Arvo Pärt's "Da pacem Domine" combines meditative calmness and a clear, simple aesthetic. Pärt's minimalist musical language elevates the Latin plea for peace into a timeless, universal dimension. However, the musical core of the concert consists of two works by our Composer in Residence, who also conducts. Particularly poignant are his "Cantos Sagrados." "When composing this piece, I wanted to create something that is both timeless and contemporary, both sacred and secular," he says. The result is a moving work for choir and orchestra that is particularly touching under his direction.

MacMillan and Choir

He played at one of the most spectacular weddings of recent years: for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The bride herself had called the then 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and asked him to play during the church service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle - and half the world watched him. Now he is our guest and fits perfectly into our unconventional concert with his unconventional appearance and artistic excellence! The program includes nothing less than a premiere! The cello concerto by Edmund Finnis will be heard for the first time in Europe on this evening - and you can be there.

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Dresdner Philharmonie