The Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra, under the deft leadership of conductor Jordan de Souza, presents an eclectic series of concerts and events that delve into the rich tapestry of classical music. From the iconic Beethoven's Fifth Symphony to the evocative St. John Passion by Bach, these events promise an exploration of human emotions and cultural dialogues. With performances ranging from family-centric adventures to immersive choral renditions, the orchestra invites audiences to experience the depth and variety of their musical offerings in Dortmund, Germany.

Dortmund Philharmonic: A Symphony of Emotions and Cultures

As the leaves fall in Dortmund, the city's Philharmonic Orchestra is tuning their instruments for an autumn and winter season filled with evocative performances. From Beethoven's legendary Fifth Symphony to Bach's St. John Passion, the lineup promises a rich tapestry of sound. With the skilled baton of conductor Jordan de Souza and a roster of talented musicians and vocalists, each event is set to offer a unique exploration of classical and contemporary themes. Audiences can expect a harmonious journey through emotion, culture, and history, all within the iconic Konzerthaus Dortmund.

Dortmund's Concert Season: A Celebration of Classical and Choral Harmony

This fall, the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra invites you on a journey through the rich tapestries of musical history. From Beethoven's gripping 'Fifth Symphony' to the emotive depths of Bach's 'St. John Passion,' each event captures the essence of human emotion and creativity. Under the dynamic leadership of conductor Jordan de Souza, experience a series of concerts and public rehearsals that promise to redefine your understanding of classical and choral music. Whether you're a seasoned music lover or new to the symphonic world, this season's lineup offers something for everyone.

Dortmund Philharmonic: An Odyssey Through Music's Most Stirring Narratives

The time has finally come – the Christmas miracle season has begun. With imaginative story songs, this little explorer will guide you through the magic of winter and the pre-Christmas season. In varied arrangements, cookies are baked with "Grandma Zuckerschnute" and the first snowflakes are admired. It's off to the ice with the "Schlitterschlotter" ice skates, and all the fairytale characters invite you to the winter ball! A snowman becomes a sailor, there's cocoa with a "three-tiered cream cake," and shoes are polished to a shine for Santa Claus! A magical family concert full of small and large Christmas miracles to join in, dream about, and look forward to.

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1st Family Concert: Christmas Miracle Time

Konzerthaus Dortmund

The Dortmund Philharmonic's popular baby concerts are something truly special: Here, you can experience magnificent chamber music in a setting where the littlest ones feel just as comfortable as the adults accompanying them. The concerts take place in the beautiful atmosphere of the opera foyer. To ensure everyone stays happy and cheerful, the number of seats is limited. Stroller parking and play mats are also provided.

1st Baby Concert

Opernfoyer

Together with the neo-percussion band Repercussion, the Dortmund Philharmonic brings clubbing to the Konzerthaus! A through-composed concert with music by Repercussion in special orchestral arrangements awaits you, straightforward and uncompromising. The trio Repercussion, formed by Veith Kloeters, Rafael Sars, and Simon Bernstein, focuses on one thing above all: percussion with new sounds that open up spaces. Space to empathize, space to move: concerts with a club feeling. Their energetic performances and vibe create a lasting connection with the audience. Philharmonic hall, festival, urban club: Repercussion plays shows instead of performances. Their original songs are unique and create live moments to be retold. Repercussion is neo-classical, electronic, and drums.

1. Concert for Young People: Philharmonic Club

The program features three string quartets driven by a passionate need for expression, igniting true emotional storms. Beethoven's String Quartet in C minor was the first string quartet he tackled when he created his Opus 18, and it is no coincidence that it is in one of his favorite keys, which we associate primarily with his "Fifth." Mendelssohn's A minor Quartet is one of those incomprehensible strokes of genius with which the young Mendelssohn's oeuvre is so rich. Viktor Ullmann's String Quartet No. 3 was written in Terezín and is considered the masterpiece of the Czech composer, who fell victim to the Nazi killing machine.

1. Chamber Concert: Storms of Emotion

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Johann Sebastian Bach St. John Passion BWV 245 (excerpts)
in conjunction with improvisations on ancient oriental instruments and other pieces

Inspired by a concept by conductor Ivan Fischer, we bring musical worlds together: excerpts from Bach's St. John Passion enter into a dialogue with rousing improvisations on Middle Eastern instruments, presenting both musical traditions in a new and multifaceted way. In addition to top-class vocal soloists, we welcome two cross-border artists from East and West: Israeli percussionist Zohar Fresco is a master of the frame drum Tof Miriam, and his musical partner Taiseer Elias is a virtuoso on the Arabic lute, the oud.

1. Concert Late Night at the Kokerei Hansa: Bach Remix

Kokerei Hansa

A small, colorful paper kite – a big dream of freedom. Young Selene can hardly wait to let her gift fly into the sky. But when the wind catches the kite, a fantastic journey full of adventure begins. Between storm and calm, between reality and dream, Selene and her kite are carried to distant worlds: She soars over desert caravans, discovers enchanted gardens, and marvels at the joyful hustle and bustle of a distant kite festival.

1. Cushion Concert: Fly, my kite, fly!

The re-enactment of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ at Easter has always been an occasion for a special musical arrangement. In Leipzig, too, Johann Sebastian Bach, who as the newly appointed "Director of Music" was officially responsible for the music in the city's churches, was expected to come up with something for this purpose. Bach fulfilled this task at his very first Easter in his new position: with the performance of his setting of the Passion story based on the words of the Gospel of John on Good Friday of 1724.

2nd Philharmonic Concert

After a short introduction to the concert with Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion, experience the rehearsal work of the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra together with the vocal soloists under the direction of the new General Music Director Jordan de Souza in the hall of the Konzerthaus

Public Rehearsal: 2nd Philharmonic Concert

After a short introduction to the concert with Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion, experience the rehearsal work of the Dortmund Philharmonic Orchestra together with the vocal soloists under the direction of the new General Music Director Jordan de Souza in the hall of the Konzerthaus.

The revolutionary "Fifth" is now almost more of a myth than a piece of music, one of the most famous works in classical music—and also one of the most exciting and gripping. From deep despair to supreme euphoria—Beethoven transforms the ups and downs of human emotions into overwhelming sound. Jordan de Souza and the Dortmund Philharmonic take you on the fastest rollercoaster ride in music history.

Dortmunder Philharmoniker

Nov 16, 2025

1st Family Concert: Christmas Miracle Time

Nov 12, 2025

1st Baby Concert

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