It has become a tradition for ballet companies all over the world to perform Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" at Christmas time. John Neumeier's version of "The Nutcracker", however, avoids direct reference to Christmas. In his ballet, the central character Marie celebrates her twelfth birthday and is drawn by the mysterious ballet master Drosselmeier into the fascinating world of dance. It is, in fact, a ballet about ballet itself.

The Nutcracker

Ballettzentrum Hamburg – John Neumeier

Celebrated for his versatility in pop and folk music, Rufus Wainwright is also an accomplished composer of soundtracks, operas and musicals. His latest grand project, »Dream Requiem«, was written during the coronavirus pandemic. Following its world premiere in Paris it now comes to the Elbphilharmonie with a large orchestra, choir, soprano and grand dame of French film Isabelle Huppert as the narrator.

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Rufus Wainwright: Dream Requiem

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Welcome, spring, connect us once again with music! With the wonderful, the serene, the natural Beethoven, who opens his romantic realm to the audience. Highly lyrical yet classical, completely in the here and now and simultaneously in infinity. A special concert at the Elbphilharmonie: between departure and inner contemplation in the search for the eternal.

Hamburg Symphony Orchestra

Apr 20, 2026