February 2025 marks an exhilarating month for music enthusiasts as the hr-Sinfonieorchester hosts an array of captivating concerts across Germany. From the profound orchestrations of Mozart paired with American symphonic innovations to the avant-garde sonic explorations of Helmut Lachenmann, these events promise to engage and challenge audiences. Join us as we delve into the details of these diverse performances, featuring renowned conductors like Riccardo Minasi and Nathalie Stutzmann, and soloists such as Martin Fröst and Matthias Goerne.

Discovering the Symphonic and Sonic Tapestry of 2025: A Journey through the hr-Sinfonieorchester Events

This February, hr-Sinfonieorchester delivers a captivating series of concerts, blending classical masterpieces with innovative compositions. From Riccardo Minasi's dynamic rendition of Mozart, to Helmut Lachenmann's avant-garde soundscapes, and the vibrant rhythms of Stravinsky and John Williams, the performances are set to enthrall. Join us as we delve into the heart of these musical experiences, celebrating the artists and their contributions to the world of orchestral music.

A Harmonious February: Exploring the Diverse Musical Tapestry of hr-Sinfonieorchester's Events

March 2025 is set to be an unforgettable month for music lovers in Frankfurt, as the hr-Sinfonieorchester presents a spectacular lineup of events. From solo harp performances to captivating chamber music, classical to jazz fusions, and celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of female composers, there is something for every taste. Highlights include Anne-Sophie Bertrand and Kent Carlson's unique show, a celebration of American style with Patrick Hahn and Frank Dupree, and a tribute to Brahms with a string sextet ensemble. Explore these and more as we dive into the exceptional music events awaiting you.

Discovering Musical Mastery: A Journey Through hr-Sinfonieorchester's March Events

Frankfurt is set to become the epicenter of classical music this May, with a series of events presented by the hr-Sinfonieorchester. From the enchanting tale of 'Feldmaus Frederick und die Farben' to the virtuosity of Hilary Hahn in 'Meisterstück', audiences will be treated to a rich tapestry of musical storytelling. The lineup includes celebrated symphonies, powerful performances, and innovative interpretations, ensuring a feast for the senses in venues across the city. Join us as we explore the highlights and unique contributions of artists that make these events truly remarkable.

Celebrating Classical Masterpieces: A Symphony of Events in Frankfurt

For a long time, women composers had a hard time; they were mostly ignored in their time and throughout history. But women have composed with strength and talent at many times. In this concert, you can experience some of them, with their rich music and their creative work. You may still know Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger and Rebecca Clark, but it is a different story with Isabella Leonarda, an Italian nun from the 17th century who was one of the most productive composers of her era, or Marie Jaëll, a French pianist and composer from the 19th century. The Frenchwoman Mélanie Bonis, whose works were mostly published in the 19th century under the pseudonym Mel Bonis, is also hardly known in this country, as is the Austrian pianist, singer and composer Maria Theresia von Paradis, who was blind since childhood and was also very prominent in the musical life of her time, the Viennese Classical period. In this concert you can get to know them all, as well as Emilie Mayer, a German composer of the 19th century who was also highly celebrated during her lifetime and was widely regarded as the "female Beethoven".

EPSG:4326

Women Power

Bertramstraße 8

The title is French and gets to the point: "Six Concerts with several instruments" is what Bach himself called his famous concert series. The Swiss recorder player and conductor Maurice Steger presents them all - each in a class of its own. Today they are world famous as the "Brandenburg Concertos". But their actual title modestly hits the nail on the head: they are neither pure solo concerts nor real concerti grossi; rather, Bach has used them to test out all the possibilities and combinations of how instrumentalists can play together. A showcase of constructive cooperation, so to speak, which only really comes into its own in a cyclical performance. Maurice Steger will also demonstrate that Bach rarely used the recorder, but in the "Brandenburg Concertos" it plays an extremely sophisticated role. He is more competent than anyone else, after all, Maurice Steger has long been considered an unrivalled virtuoso on this instrument.

Brandenburg Concertos 1–6

Female composers have had a hard time for a long time, and have been largely ignored by history. This year's chamber concert by the hr Symphony Orchestra in Erbach will feature some of them, with their rich music and creative work. Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger and Rebecca Clark will be familiar, but Isabella Leonarda, an Italian nun from the 17th century who was one of the most productive composers of her era, or Marie Jaëll, a French pianist and composer from the 19th century, is not. The Frenchwoman Mélanie Bonis, whose works were mostly published under the pseudonym Mel Bonis in the 19th century, is also hardly known in this country, as is the Austrian Maria Theresia von Paradis, who was blind since childhood and was very prominent in the musical life of her time, the Viennese Classical period, as a pianist, singer and composer. In this concert you can get to know them all, as well as Emilie Mayer, a 19th-century German composer who was celebrated during her lifetime as the "female Beethoven".

Werner-Borchers-Halle

The encounter of different musical worlds is the trademark of this major music event, which fills the Jahrhunderthalle once a year. Unusual mixtures and contrasts between classical and pop, orchestra and electronic - with the hr Symphony Orchestra and special guests. This time: ClockClock.

Music Discovery Project 2025

Culture and Congress Center Jahrhunderthalle GmbH

Thierry Escaich is a guest in the chamber music series with highlights such as Mozart's "Kegelstatt" trio and Schumann's "Märchenerzählungen", a virtuoso "Trio américain" of his own, as a chamber music partner and as a gifted improviser. Mozart's trio for clarinet, viola and piano once marked the birth of a new instrumental formation, to which Schumann only gave a first musical response 70 years later. He made his decision after hearing the "Kegelstatt" trio with his wife Clara at the piano and he wrote his four wonderful poetic images in a very short time, during a last creative frenzy before his final breakdown. Schumann is also the subject of a piano improvisation by Thierry Escaich in this program, who in turn allows reminiscences from much more distant eras to appear in his own trio - "one works and lives in the other" in this concert of a very special class.

Trio summit with Escaich

A program entirely in the spirit of the great American, whose music always exudes a very unique nonchalance. Added to this is the sound of the hr Big Band, which here acts quite naturally with the hr Symphony Orchestra - two sound worlds united for Gershwin, but also for a world premiere by the Frenchman Thierry Escaich . George Gershwin himself had the horns of Parisian taxis in his luggage when he returned to the USA after studying in Paris in the 1920s - and the started score of a work in which life in the French capital is acoustically illustrated using precisely these horns and a few other effect instruments. Gershwin's music was always in tune with the times, which were turbulent - and he brought them to life with great coolness. He is probably best known for his "Rhapsody in Blue", in which jazz finds its way into the format of a piano concerto. And what could be cooler than the chief conductor himself sitting down at the keys as if nothing was happening.

Gershwin

Alte Oper

The good ones become violinists in the orchestra, the cool ones play the saxophone and join the big band – wasn't and isn't that how it was at school? Of course, that's a cliché. But despite all that, the big band and the symphony orchestra are two worlds. Here – for Gershwin's eternal classics – the two come together, and Alain Altinoglu and the piano too. Gershwin was the man who provided American music with both: the sophistication of the classical orchestra format and the slightly garish sound of the jazzy, fresh brass section. And also with truly immortal hits like "Rhapsody in Blue", in which chief conductor Alain Altinoglu can show that he also cuts a dazzling figure on the keys. However, if there is a bit of blatant honking during the orchestral piece "An American in Paris", then it is not the fault of any member of the hr Big Band. No, Gershwin himself wrote car horns into his score. The good guys play the violin, everyone else wants to play the horn in the hr Symphony Orchestra.

Rhapsody in Blue

In Alsfeld ist das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt mit seinen Kammerkonzerten regelmäßig zu Gast. Diesmal präsentieren Musiker*innen des Orchesters die beiden Streichsextette von Johannes Brahms. Das B-Dur-Streichsextett op. 18 und das G-Dur-Streichsextett op. 36 gehören zu den Meisterwerken der Streicher-Kammermusik. Neben dem »Deutschen Requiem« waren sie letztlich auch, die dem jungen Brahms zu seinem musikalischen Durchbruch verhalfen. Auch wenn er sie selbst später als »lange, sentimentale Stücke« geringschätzte, faszinieren sie bis heute durch ihren unwiderstehlichen Klangreiz und ihre melodische Schönheit.

Brahms im Sextett

Schillerstraße 1

The fact that a classical conductor is also declared one of the best artists at a traditional jazz festival is unusual and offers special opportunities - for example, inviting him with an American program: from Gershwin to Bernstein to the symphonic jazz of Duke Ellington. But it is not just his awards as a jazz pianist at festivals in Chicago and Wisconsin or his performances as a chansonnier with songs by the music satirist Georg Kreisler that make Patrick Hahn stand out from the wide field of young conductors. The Austrian, General Music Director in Wuppertal since 2021, also has qualities in the classical profession that are rarely found in this form at such a young age. What Patrick Hahn recognized early on is the psychological aspect of the conducting profession: If a conductor knows how to encourage the musicians to achieve top performances and if he is an inspiration to the musicians, then they simply play better. A simple equation that absolutely works for Patrick Hahn. The soloist in Gershwin's "Concerto in F" is Frank Dupree, a pianist who also has a second source of income in jazz. Hahn and Dupree: when it comes to the "American style," these two are pulling in the same direction.

American Style

When solo harpist Anne-Sophie Bertrand and tenor Kent Carlson go on stage, something extraordinary can be expected. The Latin Palace Changó travels across the centuries. Harp sounds meet songs. Poetry meets travesty, melancholy meets irony and emotion meets sensation - and not only in the unusual ambience of the popular South American dance club in Frankfurt's train station district, but also in a very unusual setting.

The extraordinary hour

Latin Palace Changó

In einem neuen Format für Schulklassen stellt der junge Solo-Fagottist des hr-Sinfonieorchesters Theo Plath große Orchestermusik vor – in dieser ersten Ausgabe Strawinskys berühmte Ballettmusik über den unglücklichen Helden aller Jahrmärkte: Petruschka. Eine packende Musik voll Dynamik und intensiver Klangfarben, die uns auf einen Jahrmarkt ins St. Petersburg des 19. Jahrhunderts entführt. Im Mittelpunkt stehen drei Puppen eines Gauklers, die zum Leben erwachen und so nimmt das Eifersuchtsdrama zwischen dem melancholischen Petruschka und seinem luxusverwöhnten Widersacher um die eitle Ballerina ihren Lauf. Mit ihren scharfen Kontrasten und ungezügelten Kräften war Strawinskys Musik etwas ganz Neues auf der Ballettbühne und bedeutete für das Publikum Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts einen Schock. Und auch in diesem exklusiv für Schulklassen der Jahrgänge 5 bis 10 konzipierten Konzert wird sie ihre Wirkung nicht verfehlen

Strawinskys Jahrmarkt

Tanz trifft Tuba. Mit hr-Solist Ole Heiland und einem imposanten Konzert für sein tiefes Blasinstrument von Filmmusik-Tycon John Williams. Zum 100. Geburtstag des Boston Pops Orchestra geschrieben, sei es leicht und melodiös und enthalte hoffentlich genügend Ereignisse, um Spaß zu machen, so der große Kino-Komponist bescheiden selbst. Als quirlig-groteskes Gegenstück dazu ist Igor Strawinskys berühmte Tanz-Burleske über den ewig unglücklichen Helden Petruschka zu erleben – ein Fest der Klänge und der Rhythmen. Die dynamische Kraft der Musik war seinerzeit etwas völlig Neues auf der Ballettbühne und wirkte provozierend auf das Publikum. Für die temperamentvolle Dirigentin Tianyi Lu genau das Richtige, um ebenso zeigen zu können, was musikalisch in ihr steckt.

Tuba-Tänze

Beethoven's grew out of a trio in his later years, Bruch's was a late work and long lost - both quintets have a special maturity, musical essence from many years. They immediately captivate you, just like the mastery of Haydn's quartet. Beethoven's model for his string quintet was a bold youthful work with an impetuous character, which he transformed as an established master, while Bruch, at the age of eighty, once again formulated his traditional credo in his quintet. Looking back, he also quotes himself - as a reminiscence and self-assurance of his own past.

quintessence

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann, will then perform the Prokofiev-Mahler-Tchaikovsky program of the "Great Series" in the Aschaffenburg town hall. Sergei Prokofiev's "Overture on Hebrew Themes," six songs from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" by Gustav Mahler and Peter Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony ("Pathétique") will be presented. The soloist here is also the baritone Matthias Goerne.

Aschaffenburg Orchestra Concerts

Schloßpl. 1

Music that touches the soul. Hardly any other Romantic symphony leaves the listener as moved as Tchaikovsky's "Sixth". The hr Symphony Orchestra is led by a conductor who understands the depths - and not just because she used to shine with her own deep voice. Nathalie Stutzmann was a celebrated contralto, but now conducts at the Met and in Bayreuth. She is now 100 percent a conductor and no longer feels like a singer. Conducting, as she describes it, "is as if 100 voices were singing inside me at once." But there is also singing in the true sense of the word in this program: Baritone Matthias Goerne has selected six songs from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" by Gustav Mahler, music that also has its own, touching depth despite its folk-song-like, very simple lyrics that often draw on myths and legends. Matthias Goerne is more than anyone else at interpreting this in all its colorfulness: his baritone is that of a born Mahler singer, expressive and wide-ranging, sometimes glowing darkly, sometimes flashing brightly.

Pathétique

With the core program of Forum N, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra will then make its second stop in Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie this season. Under the direction of Matthias Hermann, as part of the "Elbphilharmonie Visions 2025" it will present Helmut Lachenmann's music for eight horns "My Melodies", which is not looking for new sounds, but for new listening, as well as the composition "Sympathetic Resonance" by the British composer Christian Mason, which sees the orchestra as a huge resonance instrument.

Elbphilharmonie Visions 2025

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Eine Musik Helmut Lachenmanns für acht Hörner, die nicht nach neuen Klängen sucht, sondern nach neuem Hören. Außerdem eine Komposition des Briten Christian Mason, die das Orchester als riesiges Resonanz-Instrument begreift. Und dazwischen Lachenmanns erstes großes Klavierwerk – ein Hörerlebnis im Forum N auch dies. »Ich muss immer das machen, was ich nicht kann«, bekennt Lachenmann in seinen Anmerkungen zu »My Melodies« – einer Musik jenseits der Vorstellung von Solisten im klassischen Sinne und jenseits der Vorstellung auch von jeglicher Melodie. Musikhören versteht Lachenmann als eine besondere Wahrnehmungsfähigkeit. Mit vertrautem Instrumentarium und Tonmaterial neu umgehen, es neu bespielen und tönen lassen, heißt für ihn, Wahrnehmung neu in Gang zu setzen und für sich selbst erfahrbar zu machen. »›My Melodies‹ sind eben nicht ›meine Melodien‹ – die gibt es nicht –, sondern Frank Sinatra lässt grüßen: Sie vermitteln ›my way‹ of Melodies beim kreativen Umgang mit den klingenden Mitteln.« Das hr-Sinfonieorchester, mit Lachenmanns Musiksprache seit langem vertraut, wird dabei noch von zwei weiteren Lachenmann-Experten unterstützt an diesem in vielen Dimensionen unerhörten Abend.

My Melodies

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra is once again making a stop at the Wettenberg Winter Concerts with its chamber concerts. This time with two masterful string quintets. Beethoven's grew out of a trio in his later years, Bruch's was a late work and long lost - both quintets have a special maturity, musical essence from many years. They immediately cast a spell over you, just like the mastery of Haydn's quartet.

Pfarrstraße 5

When Riccardo Minasi conducts Mozart, the symphonist becomes a real dramatist and the concert podium becomes an unleashed opera stage. But that's not all: two Americans also ensure that the classical balance is shaken up in a powerful and rousing way. It cannot be overlooked: Aaron Copland wrote his clarinet concerto for the jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman; it swings and breathes, it pulsates and dances - especially when an expressive musician like Martin Fröst interprets it. But the grandmaster of American symphonic music is William Grant Still: he was the first African American whose works were performed by a leading orchestra such as the New York Philharmonic: in 1935, the time had come with the "Afro-American Symphony", in which spirituals and blues found their orchestral format. Conductor Minasi contrasts the primal musical forces of 20th century America with those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. And these will be no less pulsating and furious under his baton, as the Italian with roots in historical performance practice is considered the man of the hour when it comes to radical Mozart revitalization.

Mozart in America

This time, the KiezPalast is heading off to the world's metropolises, roaming the bustling streets of New York, sophisticated Paris and the dance halls of Buenos Aires. The city guide is Katja Riemann, who as an actress, singer and author likes to travel in different genres and areas. She leads through a musical-literary-semi-theatrical program with the hr-Sinfonieorchester, which tells of the fascination of urban life as well as its dark side. Of intoxication, dense impressions and unlimited possibilities, but also of the longing for balance in nature. And in general: What should a livable city of the future actually look like? The KiezPalast devotes itself in a humorous way to the many facets of this topic, moving musically and literary from classical to chanson and from old times to the present.

KiezPalast: City Life

Das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt ist mit seinen Kammerkonzerten auch in dieser Saison zu im Forum Kultur Heppenheim. Im traditionsreichen Kursaal bietet es dabei diesmal ein Programm mit musikalischen Unbekannten und Überraschungen. Denn Komponistinnen hatten es lange schwer, sie wurden von ihren Zeitgenossen wie von der Nachwelt lange missachtet. In diesem Konzert sind einige zu erleben, mit ihrer reichen Musik und ihrem kreativen Schaffen. Clara Schumann ist eine von ihnen und noch allgemeinhin bekannt, anders verhält es sich bei Isabella Leonarda, einer italienischen Nonne des 17. Jahrhunderts, die zu den produktivsten Komponistinnen ihrer Epoche gehörte, und bei Marie Jaëll, einer französischen Pianistin und Komponistin des 19. Jahrhunderts. Angereichert noch um Musik zweier berühmter männlicher Kollegen ist dieser Konzertnachmittag in Heppenheim sicherlich ein sehr interessanter.

Mit Herz und Seele

Forum Kultur Heppenheim e. V.

Every season, the chamber concerts of the hr Symphony Orchestra stop off at the Lauterbach Hohhaus Concerts - this time with a musical program that inspires the imagination. Robert Schumann's famous "fairy tales" are of course not to be missed. But the "Phantasy Quartet" by the British composer Benjamin Britten, the early piano quartet movement by the late romantic Gustav Mahler and chamber music miniatures by August Klughardt and Paul Juon also create a fairytale atmosphere.

fairy tales

Hohhaus Museum Lauterbach e.V.

Er wolle, entschied Beethoven 1802, »einen neuen Weg einschlagen«. Und der führte zu seiner wohl persönlichsten Sinfonie: der »Eroica«. Sie ist eine Wegmarke, ein Meilenstein – und passt damit ideal zu Pierre Boulez, dem vor 100 Jahren geborenen Revolutionär des Tönenden. Ungemein einfallsreich, poetisch, gar nicht widerspenstig, ja überraschend entspannt sind seine zwölf Miniaturen für Klavier, die er 1945 als »Notations« zusammengefasst hat. Sie wurden Meilensteine einer neuen Ästhetik der Musik und sprechen noch heute das Publikum ganz unmittelbar an. Der Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Boulez-Experte durch und durch, wird sie spielen – und jene »Notations«, für die Boulez selbst Orchesterfassungen entwickelt hat, bilden den großbesetzten Kontrapunkt dazu. Mit eingewoben wird noch Ravel, seine »Miroirs« bilden den Nachklang für alle, die nicht genug bekommen können von neuen Wegen, poetischen Ideen und faszinierend revolutionären Klängen.

Eroica

This season, the hr Symphony Orchestra is performing in Fulda with a winter-themed program - presented under the direction of the German-Japanese conductor Erina Yashima together with the young cellist Bryan Cheng. Erina Yashima is the first conductor at the Komische Oper in Berlin and is at home in Eastern European and Russian late romanticism. In Fulda, she will present Tchaikovsky's "Winter Dreams" Symphony, which revels in its dark sound, and will also present a work by the Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom. Bryan Cheng, who was born in Canada and now lives in Berlin, will be the soloist, playing Saint-Saëns's 1st Cello Concerto.

Concerts Schlosstheater Fulda

Schloßstraße 5

Ein nachhaltiges Förderprojekt für hessische Schulorchester. Nach einer ausgiebigen Coaching-Phase durch Mitglieder des hr-Sinfonieorchesters gestalten die teilnehmenden Schulensembles im hr-Sendesaal ihr wohlverdientes Abschlusskonzert. Das Förderprojekt Coach'N'Concert, gemeinsam mit dem Lions Club Frankfurt-Paulskirche realisiert, richtet sich in einem zweijährigen Turnus an hessische Schulorchester. Alle teilnehmenden Orchester kommen dabei in den Genuss eines musikalischen Coaching-Prozesses, der von Musikerinnen und Musikern des hr-Sinfonieorchesters Frankfurt über einen Zeitraum von ca. sieben Monaten in den Schulen durchgeführt wird. Damit erhalten alle teilnehmenden Orchester einen größtmöglichen individuellen Nutzen. Am Samstag, den 18. Januar 2025 gestalten die teilnehmenden Schulorchester im hr-Sendesaal ihr wohl verdientes Abschlusskonzert.

Coach'N'Concert: Abschlusskonzert

Conducting is the most natural way for her to communicate music, says conductor Erina Yashima. And this style is extremely well received by orchestras, audiences and critics. The Hamburger Abendblatt called her a "new star in the conductor's sky". For the first time, she is now rising in Frankfurt. The German-Japanese conductor, First Kapellmeister at the Komische Oper in Berlin, is at home in the Eastern European and Russian late romantic period. To be more precise: she is currently in her Dvořák phase, a composer who is very dear to her heart, says Erina Yashima. The woman with the dancing agility at the podium introduces herself here with the "Winter Dreams" Symphony by Peter Tchaikovsky, which revels in its dark sound, and also presents a work by the Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom and Camille Saint-Saëns' 1st Cello Concerto. The soloist is Bryan Cheng, also a debutant with the hr Symphony Orchestra. The cellist, who was born in Canada and lives in Berlin, has recently taken part in some of the world's most prestigious international competitions with great success, with his immediately appealing, bright yet warm tone, which he uses on the Stradivarius cello "Dubois" from 1699.

Winter Dreams

Traditionally, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra welcomes the New Year with an entertaining and sophisticated program in the festive ambience of the Wiesbaden Kurhaus - this time under the direction of the young Lithuanian conductor Izabelė Jankauskaitė . The "Assistant Conductor" of this season's Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, who first attracted international attention in 2022 by winning the Neeme Järvi Prize from the renowned Gstaad Conducting Academy, will present a rousing musical program based on the Viennese waltz with the Brazilian violinist Guido Sant'Anna as part of the "Wiesbaden Master Concerts".

New Year's Concert

Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH

A second program in the Vienna Musikverein and the Dortmund Konzerthaus with works by Ravel, Elgar and Rimsky-Korsakov will be linked to the "Jeanne d'Arc" tour in December. The hr Symphony Orchestra and Alain Altinoglu will present Maurice Ravel's "Une barque sur l'océan", Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade". Gautier Capuçon will be the soloist in Vienna, and Julia Hagen will interpret the Elgar Concerto in Dortmund.

Dortmund Concert Hall

Konzerthaus Dortmund

Mit der Großproduktion von Arthur Honeggers außergewöhnlichem Oratorium »Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher« gastiert das hr-Sinfonieorchester im Anschluss an das Frankfurter Konzert auch in Paris, Wien und Hamburg. Mit von Partie ist neben dem Wiener Singverein der gesamte Sänger*innen- und Schauspieler-Cast rund um die Oscar-Preisträgerin Marion Cotillard als Jeanne d'Arc. Spielorte sind die Pariser Philharmonie, der Wiener Musikverein und Hamburgs Elbphilharmonie.

Vienna Music Association

Vienna Music Society

Musikverein Wien

Philharmonie de Paris

Cité de la Musique

Ein modernes Mysterienspiel hat Honegger 1935 mit »Johanna auf dem Scheiterhaufen« komponiert – extrem abwechslungsreich aus Elementen des Jazz, der Moderne, der Gregorianik wie der Zirkusmusik gemixt. Das hr-Sinfonieorchester stellt das Oratorium vor – hochkarätig besetzt mit Oscar-Preisträgerin Marion Cotillard als Jeanne d’Arc. Himmlisches und mächtig Profanes hat der Schweizer Komponist vor knapp 100 Jahren hart aneinander geschnitten. Mit Chor und Kinderchor werden herrliche Klangräume aufgetan, aber auch die Groteske kommt dabei nicht zu kurz – ein Schwein, ein Esel, eine Windmühle, ein Weinfass, sie alle haben ihren Auftritt. Und im Orchester sorgen Saxofone und präparierte Klaviere für staunenswerte Effekte, und dazu eine Ondes Martenot, jenes elektronische Musikinstrument, das erst kurz vor dieser Komposition erfunden worden war. Für die Titelpartie konnte die französische Star-Schauspielerin Marion Cotillard gewonnen werden. 2008 wurde sie für ihre Darstellung der Édith Piaf in »La vie en rose« mit einem Oscar ausgezeichnet, die Liste ihrer weiteren Ehrenpreise ist beinahe so lang wie die ihrer Leinwandauftritte – die so unterschiedliche Filme wie »Inception«, »The Dark Knight Rises« oder das Film-Musical »Nine« umfasst.

Jeanne d'Arc

Christmas music in a wonderful atmosphere. Well-known music from many countries can be enjoyed again: fairy-tale-like and in a virtuoso guise. With Peer Gynt, Hansel and Gretel and of course the Nutcracker - and a trombone concert by Mozart's father Leopold. Musically directed by Vassilis Christopoulos, "Christmas all over the World" is again accompanied by hr3 morning show presenter Tobi Kämmerer. The international Christmas concert of the hr Symphony Orchestra for the whole family, where everyone sings together at the end

Christmas all over the World

Das Beste aus Edvard Griegs populärer Schauspielmusik, ein launiges Blechbläserkonzert mit hr-Solo-Posaunist Norwin Hahn sowie eine heiter-überschwängliche Dvořák-Sinfonie – das sind die Garanten für einen beglückenden Saison-Auftakt unserer Kompakt-Konzert-Reihe Quick & Classy. Feine gezeichnete Klangbilder aus dem hohen Norden begegnen romantischer Posaunen-Virtuosität aus Dänemark und einer Sinfonie des großen tschechischen Sinfonikers, in der sich erstmals sein Melodie-Reichtum in seiner ganzen Fülle zeigt – genau das Richtige für das hr-Sinfonieorchester und auch für den Dirigenten des Abends: Vassilis Christopoulos.

Happy Trombone

"Oh, if only we had clarinetti!" the young Mozart once enthused, they made such a "wonderful effect". The hr Symphony Orchestra has six of them - and all of them can be experienced in this chamber music program, in all their splendor, facets and tones. In music from different centuries and eras, different styles, genres and schools, they can be enjoyed in every conceivable combination and dimension - like a multi-colored, shimmering kaleidoscope. A special kind of highlight not only for fans of chamber music.

Kaléidoscope de clarinettes

No matter how good the sound of the computer, console or cell phone is: Live and played by a real symphony orchestra, game music sounds on a completely different level! You shouldn't miss it - finally sit back and enjoy the "cool" sound up close. The music of the "Prince of Persia" game series impressively combines oriental sounds with modern, atmospheric soundtracks. Composers such as Inon Zur and Tommy Tallarico create a unique mood in each title that fits perfectly with the mysterious, adventurous world of the exciting game. Their colleague Nobuo Uematsu, on the other hand, is behind most of the game music in the "Final Fantasy" series, which is regularly played by famous orchestras in game concerts. Let's Play!

Let's Play!

The walking concert is a beautiful tradition. The hr Symphony Orchestra and the "Städel" are inviting people to the museum again this season. With chamber music of various styles and ensembles, this once again offers the opportunity for a special encounter between the arts and allows music and the visual arts to be experienced in a new and stimulating way. The audience is invited to walk between the eras and musical spheres and to pause, observe and listen.

Walking Concert at the Städel

Städel Museum

Schaumainkai 63

Would you have thought that? Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances" topped the list of the most performed orchestral works in 2023. And deservedly so - because these dances are of outstanding impact, they can be considered the best that Rachmaninoff has ever written for orchestra. With this major work about the dark side of dance, Petr Popelka, the charismatic Czech and new chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, returns to the podium of the hr Symphony Orchestra - not only, but also with the orchestra members, he made the most lasting impression as a conductor who attracted attention. The playing of Kian Soltani, the Austrian cellist with Persian roots, also has a downright magnetic attraction. After winning the International Paulo Cello Competition in Helsinki a good ten years ago, his name is on everyone's lips when it comes to sound-sensitive but also highly virtuoso cello playing. With Prokofiev's "Sinfonia concertante", this idiosyncratic orchestral concerto with solo cello bursting with energy, Soltani has chosen a work that is made for cellists who are looking for the ultimate challenge. This music demands everything a cello can do. And as a listener you don't believe it can be done.

Symphonic Dances

This season, works for horn can be enjoyed in the chamber concert of the hr Symphony Orchestra in Friedberg - all about hr solo horn player Marc Gruber in a recently modified program. He will be able to be heard in a duo with Beethoven and Glazunov and, as planned, in a sonorous and soulful trio with Brahms. Instead of the planned horn concerto by Ethel Smyth and the "Music with Horn" by Vagn Holmboe, Grace Kyung Eun Lee will also present three distinctive duos for violin and piano in the first part of the concert.

Music with Horn

Theater Altes Hallenbad

Italien, das Sehnsuchtsland der Deutschen seit Jahrhunderten: Händel sammelte dort Lorbeeren, Mendelssohn fand Inspirationen. Seine 4. Sinfonie schäumt über vor dem Temperament des Südens. Für den Alte-Musik-Dirigenten Andrea Marcon bedeuten Abstecher in die Romantik dabei rare musikalische Momente. Ganz in seinem Kernrepertoire bewegt sich Valer Sabadus: Die Alt-Arien aus Händel-Opern wie »Rinaldo« oder »Alcina« sind wie gemacht für die so überirdisch reine, hohe Stimme des rumänisch-deutschen Countertenors. Händels Hochton-Feuerwerke liefert er in mitreißender Rasanz und atemberaubender Sicherheit, zugleich versteht er nicht minder die Trumpfkarte des berührend-zarten, des sinnlichen Tons auszuspielen. Valer Sabadus ist ein Sänger, der sein Publikum in Bann schlägt, der es mitnimmt in ein Sehnsuchtsland und in eine Welt der Barockoper, die in Tönen so verschwenderisch umgehen konnte wie keine mehr danach.

Il gusto italiano

When Richard Strauss composes, the theater is not far away. Gripping sounds, effective gestures - his symphonic poems allow characters as diverse as Till Eulenspiegel and Macbeth to emerge and take on a three-dimensional form in the concert hall. The orchestra as a cabinet of sound wonders. Sebastian Weigle, the former General Music Director of the Frankfurt Opera, has particular expertise in the works of Richard Strauss. The orchestra and conductor must act on the same wavelength, Strauss scores are trump cards that must be skilfully played. Augustin Hadelich is also a guest in the "Great Series" of the hr Symphony Orchestra - once a child prodigy, but long since one of the leading violinists of any generation. You can experience him with the famous Mendelssohn concerto, which leads into elegiac, pensive, noble spheres and exudes flawless beauty.

Till Eulenspiegel

Wenn Richard Strauss komponiert, ist das Theater nicht weit. Zupackende Klänge, effektvolle Gesten – seine Sinfonischen Dichtungen lassen so unterschiedliche Charaktere wie Till Eulenspiegel und Macbeth im Konzertsaal erstehen und plastisch Form annehmen. Das Orchester als Klang-Wunderkammer. Sebastian Weigle, der ehemalige Generalmusikdirektor der Oper Frankfurt hat eine besondere Expertise für die Werke von Richard Strauss. Orchester und Dirigent müssen da auf einer Wellenlinie agieren, Strauss-Partituren sind Trümpfe, die es gekonnt auszuspielen gilt. Außerdem ist Augustin Hadelich in der »Großen Reihe« des hr-Sinfonieorchesters zu Gast – einst Wunderkind, doch längst einer der führenden Violinisten gleich welcher Generation. Ihn kann man mit dem berühmten Mendelssohn-Konzert erleben, das in elegisch versonnene, noble Sphären führt und makellose Schönheit verströmt.

A reunion to look forward to. Two original symphonic poems by the grand master of instrumentation Richard Strauss in the Spotlight conversation concert - with the esteemed Strauss expert Sebastian Weigle. The former General Music Director of the Frankfurt Opera is experienced in the music of Strauss. Together with hr presenter Tobi Kämmerer, a familiar guest in the Spotlight series, he will have interesting things to report from Richard Strauss's compositional masterpiece, such as the dazzling juggler figure Till Eulenspiegel and the legendary military leader Macbeth from the famous Shakespeare tragedy.

Eulenspiegel & Co.

In October, the Frankfurt hr Symphony Orchestra will go on a major tour of Japan. This is the orchestra's twelfth concert tour to Japan in its history and the first with chief conductor Alain Altingolu. A total of seven concerts in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are on the program - three concert appearances in the famous Suntory Hall Tokyo alone. Major orchestral works by Mussorgsky/Ravel and Mahler will be presented. The Canadian pianist of Chinese origin Bruce Liu will be playing Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto and the Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji will be playing Brahms' Violin Concerto. The Frankfurt hr Symphony Orchestra's Japan tour is supported by FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH.

Yokohama

Queen's Square Yokohama

Saitama

Tokorozawa Civic Cultural Center MUSE

Nagoya

Aichi Arts Center

Tokyo

ARK Hills

Zum Saison-Start der »Großen Reihe« eine ganz Große unter den Sinfonien: Mahlers »Fünfte«, in ihrem Zentrum der so eindringliche Adagietto-Satz, der die Zeit zum Stillstand bringt und die Harfe zum sphärischen Leuchten. Dazu ein Beethoven, der voranstürmt, als müsste diese Zeit wieder eingeholt werden. Mit Gustav Mahler die Spielzeit zu eröffnen, ist gleichsam ein Heimspiel – die Frankfurter Mahler-Tradition reicht lange zurück. Das hr-Sinfonieorchester steht international ein für seine preisgekrönte Mahler-Kompetenz. So wie der aus dem Tessin stammende Pianist Francesco Piemontesi berühmt ist für seine Wiener Klassiker. Bei ihm ist Beethovens geradezu kämpferisch auftrumpfendes, immer wieder aufs Neue mitreißende Es-Dur-Klavierkonzert in den besten Händen. »Piemontesi gilt zu Recht als Klangzauberer«, so die NZZ über den ohne jeden Star-Rummel auskommenden Schweizer, und legt noch hochachtungsvoll nach: »Er ist auch ein Klangtüftler.«

Mahler 5

Once per season, the scholarship holders of the Orchestra Academy can be experienced in a chamber music setting: the highly talented young orchestra members alone and together with members of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra - always a delightful and stimulating musical experience. This time the program includes Mendelssohn's 2nd String Quartet, Brahms' Clarinet Quintet op. 115 and attractive works for various wind ensembles.

baptism of fire

In Wächtersbach ist das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt mit seinen Kammerkonzerten erstmals zu Gast. Zur Premiere wird dabei ganz große Kammermusik von Brahms präsentiert. Sein B-Dur-Streichsextett und sein G-Dur-Streichsextett gehören zu den Meisterwerken der Streicher-Kammermusik. Neben dem »Deutschen Requiem« waren sie es letztlich, die dem jungen Brahms zu seinem musikalischen Durchbruch verhalfen. Auch wenn er sie selbst später als »lange, sentimentale Stücke« geringschätzte, faszinieren sie bis heute durch ihren unwiderstehlichen Klangreiz und ihre melodische Schönheit.

Schloss 1

Beim Kronberg Festival im Casals Forum macht das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt in dieser Spielzeit mit der deutsch-kolumbianischen Dirigentin Anna Handler und einem Doppel-Programm Station. Im ersten Konzert stehen Bruchs 1. Violinkonzert mit dem jungen Brasilianer Guido Sant'Anna und Schuberts »Unvollendete« Sinfonie auf dem Programm. Das zweite Konzert präsentiert Smetanas »Die Moldau«, Tschaikowskys »Rokoko-Variationen« mit dem jungen südkoreanischen Cellisten Jaemin Han sowie Kodálys »Tänze aus Galánta«.

Kronberg Festival

Musical diversity on the stage. This time, the International Theater is about encounters, connections and fusions. About the lively interplay between different cultures. And as always at Kammerflimmern, about a stimulating musical evening in a special setting. The American Steven Snowden, for example, combines American folk song traditions with the music of indigenous peoples. And Derrick Skye, who lives in California, seamlessly combines rhythmic and melodic elements from various cultures around the world with modern classical American music. And you can also look forward to a work by Kerem Memişoğlu, which combines variations on a well-known Turkish song with famous music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Musical Melting Pot

Hanauer Landstraße 5

Following the Frankfurt concerts, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra with Ivan Repušić will be appearing at the Beethovenfest Bonn. In addition to an overture by Dora Pejačević, the program includes the world premiere of a new work for violin, cello, piano and orchestra by the Catalan composer Ferran Cruixent, which was commissioned by the Beethovenfest, as well as Antonín Dvořák's 8th Symphony.

Beethovenfest Bonn

Theater Bonn Opera House

A Beethoven as one hardly knows him: The Triple Concerto is an artistic piece full of charm and esprit, it is irritatingly understated, gallant, delicate. And it needs three soloists who look after each other - because only in balance can the full feeling of happiness arise. So it makes sense to invite the Sitkovetsky Trio to play this solitary Beethoven. The piano trio, founded in 2007 by violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, impresses with its sophistication in interplay, its outstanding playing culture - and its experience with Beethoven's sound world. The three musicians are currently recording all of Beethoven's trio works for CD. In addition to Beethoven, the program now includes Dvořák's 8th Symphony, the work with which the Bohemian broke away from his role model Brahms and which - not unlike the Triple Concerto - has an unusual weightlessness and poetry within it. The conductor is the Croatian Ivan Repušić, who is currently at home with the Munich Radio Orchestra, but who is also in the starting blocks as chief conductor of the Staatskapelle Weimar and general music director of the Leipzig Opera.

feeling of happiness

Sebastião Salgado, the Brazilian photographer, photojournalist and environmental activist, has photographed the Amazon rainforest in all its splendor and threat. His magical images can be experienced here on a large screen - together with an impressive rainforest suite. This spectacular image-sound encounter can now be experienced for the first time in Germany.

Amazonia

Season opener with three trio icons. An early stroke of genius by the young Shostakovich meets a stroke of musical luck by the late Schubert and the melancholy-filled "Trio élégiaque No. 1" by Rachmaninoff. Shostakovich was just 17 when he composed his piano trio, which was only published in 1983 from his posthumous manuscripts. Schubert's piano trio is one of his last and most mature works, which, according to Robert Schumann, passed over the musical scene of the time "like an angry celestial apparition." A chamber music series can hardly begin more intensely and sonorous.

Trio élégiaque

Hommage an einen Revolutionär. Mit einer visionären Filmmusik, die einst das hr-Sinfonieorchester uraufführte, fünf im Ausdruck verdichteten Charakterstücken und einem Kammerwerk der Rückbesinnung feiert das Forum N Schönbergs runden Geburtstag und bereichert ihn zudem um neue Schlagzeug-Klänge. Der große Repräsentant der Zwölftontechnik ist dabei mit einer faszinierenden Antithese zur aufkommenden Effektmusik des frühen Tonfilms zu erleben, die er für eine imaginäre Lichtspielszene der Zukunft schrieb, aber auch mit seiner frühen, noch tonalen 2. Kammersinfonie, die erst in reifen Jahren fertige Gestalt annahm. Außerdem bieten André de Ridder und das hr-Sinfonierochester eine Begegnung mit Schönbergs berühmten Orchesterstücken op. 16, die vor allem eins sein wollen: »ein ununterbrochener Wechsel von Farben, Rhythmen und Stimmungen«. Dazwischen präsentiert Christoph Sietzen die Deutsche Erstaufführung des neuen Schlagzeugkonzerts von Detlev Glanert, das im Mai 2024 im norwegischen Bodø seine Uraufführung erlebt.

Schönberg 150

Bei den Arolser Schlosskonzerten ist das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt mit seinen Kammerkonzerten regelmäßig zu Gast. Diesmal werden dabei die hochtalentierten Stipendiat*innen der Orchesterakademie zu erleben sein. Leidenschaft, Spielkultur und musikalische Erfahrung an junge, hochtalentierte Nachwuchsmusiker*innen weiterzugeben, ist das Ziel der Orchesterakademie des hr-Sinfonieorchesters. In einer zweijährigen Ausbildung lernen die Akademist*innen die musikalischen Anforderungen eines Spitzenorchesters unter professionellen Bedingungen kennen und werden dabei in den künstlerischen Arbeitsalltag des hr-Sinfonieorchesters in spezifischer Weise integriert. In Bad Arolsen präsentieren sie dabei ein attraktives kammermusikalisches Programm rund um Mozart, Mendelssohn und Françaix.

Divertissement

Schloßstraße

To kick off the season, the hr Symphony Orchestra and the European Central Bank are once again inviting you to an open-air concert. In the extraordinary atmosphere on the banks of the Main in Frankfurt, you can expect wonderful music and an inspiring summer concert evening with chief conductor Alain Altinoglu. More than 20,000 visitors are regularly thrilled by the hr Symphony Orchestra at the summer concert evenings on the banks of the Main. As always supported by "Elisabethen Quelle", this time the focus is on two popular orchestral works: Bedřich Smetana's "The Moldau" and Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" in the orchestral version by Maurice Ravel. The open-air evening on the banks of the Main in Frankfurt is also enriched by two well-known Mozart arias and Richard Wagner's Meistersinger prelude. In the early evening, the hr Big Band with Sheléa provides the first musical highlights and a good atmosphere on the Main. In keeping with tradition, gastronomic offerings round off the Europa Open Air of the hr Symphony Orchestra and the European Central Bank, to which all music lovers are once again warmly welcomed.

Europa Open Air

Eckhardtstraße

There are two "Viennese Schools". Some people are suspicious of the Second School. Quite unjustly, considering the variety of music that was created in its sphere. Mahler, Zemlinsky and Webern represent dignified and inspiring birthday greetings to its famous founder. Mahler's early romantic piano quartet movement is also the only chamber music that the important symphonist and ultimate pioneer of the "Second Viennese School" has left to posterity. Zemlinsky, Schönberg's early supporter and teacher, contributes a Brahms-inspired clarinet trio and Webern, Schönberg's most loyal student, can be heard performing finely crafted miniatures before the celebrant himself takes the floor with his early masterpiece "Verklärte Nacht".

Viennese Melange

Every year, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and its chief conductor open the Rheingau Music Festival in keeping with tradition. A special musical atmosphere is always created in the impressive sound space of the basilica of Eberbach Monastery. This time, the program includes two masterpieces of Czech music: the orchestral cycle "Má vlast" by Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák's Violin Concerto with Christian Tetzlaff as soloist.

Rheingau Music Festival

Eberbach Abbey

On June 15, 2024, the city of Bad Homburg, in collaboration with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, is once again inviting people to a special kind of summer concert in the Gustavsgarten in Bad Homburg. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Orchestra Academy of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and the 30th anniversary of the "Society of Friends and Supporters of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra", a multifaceted program centered around the scholarship holders of the Orchestra Academy will be on offer in the charming park landscape. The aim of the academy's work is to pass on passion, playing culture and musical experience to young, highly talented up-and-coming musicians. In a two-year training course, the academy students learn the musical requirements of a top orchestra under professional conditions. Founded in 2014 on the initiative of the orchestra musicians and launched with five scholarships, the Orchestra Academy of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra now has ten scholarship places thanks to the support of the "Society of Friends and Supporters of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra" and generous donations.

Walking Concert in the Gustavsgarten

Tannenwaldallee 50

"The Song of the Earth" - as simple as this title is, there is so much hidden behind this late work by Mahler, which is half song cycle and half symphony. It is one of the best he has written: the music is hyper-sensual, the lyrics extremely atmospheric. A great song as if from another world. Based on adaptations of ancient Chinese poetry, Mahler has composed an all-encompassing swan song, a farewell to the earth, to life, which Alain Altinoglu and the hr Symphony Orchestra have realized with two excellent soloists. And what happens beyond? "Metacosmos" is the title Anna Þorvaldsdóttir gave her symphonic poem in 2017, and it is precisely about the dark journey that goes beyond every horizon. "The title refers to the idea of ​​falling into a black hole and arriving at a place that no one knows and over which you have no control," says the Icelandic composer. She has succeeded in creating music with an almost Mahlerian atmosphere, sometimes dark and amorphous, sometimes of unreal Nordic beauty.

Song of the Earth

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra has been a regular guest at the Weilburg Castle Concerts for decades. This season, under the direction of Christoph Koncz, it is presenting a classical Beethoven-Mozart program and introducing its outstanding solo flautist Clara Andrada de la Calle. With Mozart's Flute Concerto in G major KV 313, the Spanish-born orchestra is presenting one of the most famous concerts of her instrument, full of Mozartian songfulness and witty instrumental interplay. The program opens with Beethoven's "3rd Leonore Overture," which heralds ideas of freedom, and concludes with his 1st Symphony.

Weilburg Castle Concerts

Solo flutist Clara Andrada de la Calle with dreamy Mozart sounds, a Beethoven overture that speaks of ideas of freedom and rousing waltz delights à la Richard Strauss. The flute concerto is one of the most famous in all of literature, full of Mozartian songfulness and witty instrumental interplay. Beethoven once wanted to open his epochal stage work "Fidelio" with his "Leonore 3" and in the "Rosenkavalier Suite" Strauss condensed all the waltz bliss of his successful opera into one condensate. What more could you want for the weekend and to round off Quick & Classy this season?

Flute, Freedom, Waltz

The famous melodies have inspired thousands of young and old to enjoy classical music. A whole zoo of animals can be experienced in the 14 charming miniatures: the noble swan, the mighty lion, the twittering birds, the slow turtle. In them, the mischievous composer Camille Saint-Saëns also parodied some of his colleagues. And the whole thing wasn't actually intended for the public, but rather as a carnival joke that the Frenchman was later even ashamed of. Why? And which was the only melody that Saint-Saëns didn't find embarrassing? You can find out all this and more in this playful family concert by the hr Symphony Orchestra.

Carnival of Animals

The 12 violists of the hr-Sinfonieorchester bid farewell to their department head with an illustrious cabinet programme: from Telemann's concert delights to Beethoven's "Egmont" mournful sounds, from myth, botch and murder.

Ecstasy in the Armchair

A Bruckner biography published over 100 years ago speaks of his "feeling for nature", of his "joy in knightly splendor and rustic coarseness" - and of his "longing for heaven": Bruckner's music opens the view to the very top, to places where one can otherwise only reach with Mozart. The Finn John Storgårds, who only started his conducting career when he was just over 30 years old, is convinced: "Bruckner's music helps you to develop, first as a musician and then as a conductor." The "Sixth", which is not heard very often, is one of his favorite symphonies. Martin Helmchen, currently one of the few German pianists who play a leading role up there, where the air is thin, has certainly arrived in the piano Olympus. He had already proven that he understands Mozart with his first CD recording in 2007: "The young man can sing on the piano," marveled the reviewer from the specialist magazine Rondo – "he can do it really beautifully."

Himmelsblick

As appealing as a solo concerto is, isn't a double concerto twice as interesting? Two soloists who pass the ball to each other, who compete, outdo each other, who come together for a pas de deux? This evening, two are simply twice as good: the soloists of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. Three concertos for two solo instruments are on the programme, composed by the baroque trio of Bach, Telemann and Vivaldi. Of his 50 or so concertos for two instruments, Vivaldi only composed one for two trumpets, a solitaire in the extensive catalogue of works by the virtuoso Venetian. Bach's double concerto BWV 1043 was also a one-off piece - anyone who writes for two writes exclusively. The evening will be led by the British harpsichordist and conductor Jonathan Cohen, who has made a name for himself not only with his own ensemble Arcangelo. He has toured with the Academy of Ancient Music as well as with William Christie's ensemble Les Arts Florissants, which has now appointed him Associate Conductor. Franz Schubert's Mozart-like 5th Symphony, probably the most mature of his early symphonic works, will be the delightful finale of this Baroque+ program.

pas de deux

Brass summit at Deutsche Bahn. Precious metals come together when trombone, trumpet & co. meet in the Silver Tower of Deutsche Bahn. And when a magnificent quintet from the Frankfurt hr Symphony Orchestra can be experienced at lofty heights, not only musical highlights are guaranteed. With a perspective more than 150 meters away from everyday life, all visitors to this chamber fibrillation on the top floor of the high-rise also gain new practical dimensions.

Brass-Connection

Jürgen-Ponto-Platz 1

A creative frenzy usually produces something extraordinary. Whether it's Webern's late romantic-early piano quintet, Weinberg's rich string quartet treasure or Schumann's groundbreaking, enthusiastic piano quintet - all three works in this program were created in a frenzy and will captivate and enchant you. Anton Webern's piano quintet still exudes the romantic air of Brahms in his pursuit of the new, Mieczysław Weinberg's diverse, fascinating music is only just being discovered, while Schumann's piano quintet has always been considered a chamber music highlight.

Born in Ecstasy

Von Liebe und Erleuchtung kündet dieses Forum N des hr-Sinfonieorchesters Frankfurt rund um die große »Mystikerin« der musikalischen Avantgarde Sofia Gubaidulina, aber auch von Düsternis und Hass. Der Glaube ist das zentrale Thema im Leben und in der Musik Gubaidulinas, die sich 1970 russisch-orthodox taufen ließ. Ihre Verbundenheit mit dem göttlichen Kosmos prägt ihr gesamtes Schaffen und offenbart sich in zahlreichen religiös inspirierten Werktiteln. So auch in »Der Zorn Gottes«, ihrem 2020 uraufgeführten »grandios apokalyptischen Orchesterwerk« (Süddeutsche Zeitung), in dem sich Gubaidulina mit dem Thema des Jüngsten Gerichts auf ein immer wieder auftauchendes Motiv der Bibel bezieht und dieses klanggewaltig in Szene setzt. Zuvor widmet sich die lettische Violinistin Baiba Skride Gubaidulinas 3. Violinkonzert »Dialog: Ich und Du«, das vom gleichnamigen Buch Martin Bubers aus dem Jahr 1923 inspiriert wurde. Unter der Leitung des Franzosen Maxime Pascal treten die beiden Kompositionen Gubaidulinas dabei in Beziehung zu Olivier Messiaens leuchtendem Orchesterwerk »L’Ascension« über die Himmelfahrt Christi und zur kompositorischen Strenge der Sinfonie in drei Sätzen von Igor Strawinsky.

Love and Hate

Als ob wir die ersten wären, die das Gefühl haben, in einer immer enger getakteten Welt zu leben. Die zweite Ausgabe des KiezPalasts zeigt, dass es in den 1920er Jahren nicht anders war. Das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt und Conférencier Ulrich Tukur widmen sich der Geschwindigkeit und finden in Klassik, Filmmusik, Jazz und Chanson reichlich Turbulentes zum Thema. Ob im Tempo eines Walkürenritts, einer Raumfahrt oder eines Hummelflugs: Die Akteure nehmen Fahrt auf in diesem genre- und epochenübergreifenden Konzertabend, der Platz lässt für Komponiertes und Improvisiertes, für Texte und Töne, für großen Orchesterklang und kleine Szene. Und keine Sorge: Verschnaufpausen sind eingeplant, etwa mit Ligetis »Atmosphères«, einem Werk, in dem die Zeit regelrecht stillsteht.

KiezPalast

This season, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra is enriching the concerts in the town hall in Homberg (Efze) with a chamber concert of a special class. A creative frenzy usually gives birth to something extraordinary. Whether it is Webern's late romantic-early piano quintet, Weinberg's rich string quartet treasure or Schumann's groundbreaking, enthusiastic piano quintet - all three works in this program were created in a frenzy and will captivate and enchant you. Anton Webern's piano quintet still exudes the romantic air of Brahms in his pursuit of the new, Mieczysław Weinberg's diverse, fascinating music is only just being discovered, while Schumann's piano quintet has always been considered a chamber music highlight.

Stadthalle Homberg

Herd bells, wind machine, organ, and 16 wind instruments from a distance to complement the giant orchestra: Richard Strauss created a monumental central massif with his "Alpine Symphony" - full power upwards for, as Strauss put it, the "worship of eternally glorious nature". This tone poem is not about pastoral experiences of nature, but rather about nature religion, the climb up the mountain becomes a question of work ethic, liberation at height. Superhumanism plays a role here, a vision of the new man in these self-confident first decades of the 20th century. But even without this dubious superstructure, "An Alpine Symphony" is still impressive today because of the effective use of musical means and the suggestiveness of the sound images. Erkki-Sven Tüür, the great individualist from Estonia, who knows how to combine avant-garde with rock, and can sometimes sound completely archaic and minimalist, then eruptive or pseudo-baroque, is also an expert at making an impact. His latest violin concerto is called "Conversations with the Unknown," and was commissioned by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, among others, which has long been familiar with Tüür's unique sound world and is presenting it in Frankfurt in its European premiere together with Vadim Gluzman and Nicholas Collon.

Alpine Symphony

"An Alpine Symphony" can be heard like a film soundtrack. In your mind's eye you can see the arduous climb to an Alpine peak, rewarded by magnificent natural images. Of course the situation escalates, because even Richard Strauss knew that there has to be drama on the mountain face. Sunrise - the climb - on the mountain pasture - through thickets and bushes on the wrong path - on the glacier - dangerous moments - on the summit - thunderstorms and storms, descent: these are just some of the 22 landscape images that make up this enormous work. And the musical means that bring this mountain massif to life are also enormous. Brass instruments from a distance, cowbells, a machine for the sound of the wind - Strauss leaves nothing out to vividly portray the experience of nature with all its challenges. And then there's the organ high up above the large orchestra - the effect is breathtaking. A sound as broad, monumental and fascinating as an Alpine panorama.

On the glacier

Die Streichsextette von Johannes Brahms gehören zu den Meisterwerken der Streicher-Literatur. Neben dem »Deutschen Requiem« sind sie es, die dem jungen Brahms einst den musikalischen Durchbruch brachten. Auch wenn er sie selbst in späteren Jahren als »lange, sentimentale Stücke« geringschätzte, faszinieren sie in ihrem unwiderstehlichen Klangreiz und ihrer melodischen Schönheit noch heute – und man darf und sollte sie auf keinen Fall verpassen.

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra traditionally performs at the Giessen City Theater every season - this time under the direction of the young Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska and with a particularly attractive, sound-enhancing program. The main work is the most popular symphony by her compatriot Jean Sibelius. Swans flying over a lake inspired him to one of his most intense and uplifting symphonic moments, which can be experienced in the final movement of his 5th Symphony. The Swede Andrea Tarrodi adds a hymn to the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Mediterranean coast. "Liguria" is a musical stroll through these five small villages, says the composer. You will also hear the young Japanese pianist Mao Fujita in what is probably the most relaxed and perfectly formed of all Mozart concerts.

Concerts Stadttheater Gießen

Berliner Platz

Swans flying over a lake inspired Jean Sibelius to one of his most intense and uplifting symphonic moments, which can be experienced in the final movement of his 5th Symphony. The Swede Andrea Tarrodi, on the other hand, wrote a hymn to the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Mediterranean coast. "Liguria" is a musical stroll through these five small villages, says the composer: Riomaggiore with its high waves; Manarola with its clock tower; Monterosso, where the sun worshippers act like in a Fellini film. Mao Fujita also finds his own very own images in Mozart's works; the Japanese pianist stands out here in particular with his unique esprit and spirit of discovery. And with courage and imagination, for example when it comes to embellishments and freedom. Mozart, says Mao Fujita, "did not always play what was in the notes. He improvised, adding individual phrases and notes. If I just play Mozart as he wrote it down, it's pretty boring. We can make something special out of it.«

swan song

Großbesetzte Bläser-Kammermusik ist im Konzertleben rar. Bedauerlich besonders, wenn man an so eindrucksvolle Werke wie das »Parthia«-Oktett des jungen Beethoven und Dvořáks große Serenade denkt. In diesem Kammerkonzert der Extra-Klasse sind beide zu genießen – in all ihrer Klangfülle, Virtuosität und Pracht. Und dies mit den hervorragenden Musikerinnen und Musikern des hr-Sinfonieorchesters Frankfurt. Eine Gelegenheit die es nur selten gibt.

Serenaden-Pracht

One of the most important masterpieces of Western music is celebrating its birthday: 300 years ago, Bach's "St. John Passion" was born, and with it a music of incomprehensible grandeur and at the same time of impressive humanity. Premiered on Good Friday in 1724, this passion oratorio is Bach's first major vocal work during his time in Leipzig. Compared to the later, more operatic St. Matthew Passion, the one based on the Evangelist John is a work that puts the idea of ​​redemption at the forefront. Jesus' death is not meant to frighten, but to inspire reflection on responsibility, love, consolation, life and death. The dramatically charged choral scenes in particular are intended to shake people up and hold up a mirror, the choir as the voice of the people and public opinion. This part will be taken on by the Vocalconsort Berlin, an ensemble at soloist level, in this anniversary performance by the hr Symphony Orchestra and Alain Altinoglu. Or as Sir Simon Rattle once put it: simply "bloody good singers".

John 300

The traditional concert series in the Odenwald town of Erbach is celebrating its anniversary and the Frankfurt hr Symphony Orchestra is celebrating with a top-class chamber concert. Large-scale wind chamber music is rare in concert life. This is particularly regrettable when you think of such impressive works as the "Parthia" Octet by the young Beethoven and Dvořák's great Serenade. In the "Anniversary Concert - 70 Years of Concerts in the Ivory Town of Erbach" you can enjoy both - in all their sonority, virtuosity and splendor. And all this with the outstanding musicians of the Frankfurt hr Symphony Orchestra. An opportunity that only comes along rarely.

Anniversary Concert – 70 Years

Otto Glenz Straße 1

Geradezu manisch beginnt Witold Lutosławskis klanggewaltiges »Konzert für Orchester« mit den immer gleichen Paukenschlägen über 38 Takte hinweg, und Samuel Barbers Violinkonzert endet in einem rasend schnellen, mechanistischem Perpetuum mobile. Eine atemraubende Tour de Force in Tönen. Gut, dass da die Dirigentin dieses Programms vom Leistungssport kommt – dem hatte sich die Polin Marta Gardolinska jedenfalls gewidmet, bevor die Musik ihre Profession wurde. »Unsere Arbeit ist der von Sportlern sehr ähnlich«, sagt sie. »Sie ist sehr intensiv, und für ein langes Konzert braucht man einfach viel Körperkraft.« Doch bevor sie das hr-Sinfonieorchester durch das kratzbürstige Barber-Finale steuert, wird erst einmal kräftig spätromantisch eingeseift. Als sein »Seifenkonzert« hat Samuel Barber sein Violinkonzert ja selbst bezeichnet, aber nicht wegen des lyrisch-gesanglichen Schäumens der ersten beiden Sätze. Vielmehr weil es finanziert wurde von einem amerikanischen Industriellen, dem Produzenten der Fels-Naptha-Haushaltsseife. Als Solistin kann man hier die junge Geigerin Maria Ioudenitch erleben, die derzeit bei Christian Tetzlaff an der Kronberg Academy studiert.

Perpetuum mobile

Bach is the beginning and the end of all music, Max Reger once said. And this truth proves itself again and again - also in this chamber concert by the hr-Sinfonieorchester as part of the Wettenberg Winter Concerts. It is filled with the inexhaustible cosmos of Bach's "Musical Offering", his duo sonatas and concertos. You simply cannot miss it. The musicians of the hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, with guest harpsichordist Flóra Fábri, also present a concerto for the rare oboe d'amore and the 5th of the famous "Brandenburg Concertos".

Kosmos Bach

A 3,500-year-old Chinese mouth organ, three altarpieces from the early 16th century and a mythological firebird, more a magical-divine principle than a real figure: these spherical-archaic ingredients make up a concert program with superb sound appeal. Let's start with the Sheng, this incredibly multifaceted instrument from the Middle Kingdom. The composer Unsuk Chin had long avoided writing music for the Sheng, because folklore or exoticism were not her wavelength. But the art of the Sheng virtuoso Wu Wei changed her mind - and so in 2009 »Šu« for Sheng and orchestra was created, with a solo instrument that stands for the »longing for the distant sound«. The Sheng concert is framed here by powerful timbres of classical modernism, plastic sound images and historical associations, conceived by two masters of orchestral effectiveness who are unrivaled. The woman at the helm of the symphonic apparatus: the Finnish conductor Susanna Mälkki, who sees the almost limitless orchestral repertoire as "a huge treasure trove" - ​​these three works are particularly dazzling gems.

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