As the heart of Sweden's cultural calender, Stockholm is hosting a series of captivating classical events, featuring the young Mahler's 'Das klagende Lied' performed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Ligeti's iconic 'Requiem' led by Esa-Pekka Salonen, a unique rendition of Handel's 'Messiah' through Mozart's lens, and Brahms' 'A German Requiem'. Each performance promises to deliver a distinct auditory experience, drawing music enthusiasts into a world of orchestral and choral grandeur, underscored by the profound talents of internationally acclaimed conductors and vocalists.

Harmonies of Heritage: An Exploration of Mahler, Brahms, and Beyond in Stockholm

In a celebration of orchestral and choral genius, Stockholm's music scene is set ablaze with a series of remarkable performances. From Mahler's early work, 'The Song of Lamentation,' by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra to the choral brilliance of Ligeti's 'Requiem' conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, the lineup is a treat for music enthusiasts. With the grandeur of Handel's 'Messiah,' reimagined through Mozart's lens, and the heartfelt humanity of Brahms' 'A German Requiem,' these events promise a rich tapestry of sound, emotion, and culture.

Orchestral and Choral Masterpieces Enliven Stockholm's Music Scene

Stockholm's vibrant music scene is set to enthrall audiences with a series of captivating performances from September 2025 to February 2026. From the youthful exuberance of Mahler's early work to the profound humanity of Brahms' requiem, each event promises a unique auditory experience. With renowned conductors and vocalists gracing the stage, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra will bring to life compositions from Mahler, Ligeti, Handel, and Brahms, offering a symphonic journey through the ages.

A Symphony of Seasons: Stockholm's Musical Masterpieces 2025-2026

Stockholm is set to resonate with the sounds of classical brilliance as it hosts a series of remarkable musical performances. From Mahler’s early masterpiece to Ligeti’s haunting Requiem, audiences will be treated to a wide array of orchestral and choral works. The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, alongside world-renowned conductors and soloists, promise unforgettable experiences with their interpretations of historic compositions. Each event offers a unique dive into the evolution of music, highlighting the timelessness and depth of the classical repertoire.

A Symphony of History: Celebrating Orchestral Masterpieces in Stockholm

Hearing Handel’s Messiah performed by choir, orchestra, and four vocal soloists is always a profound experience. It is Handel’s most famous work, filled with exquisite arias and magnificent choruses – including the celebrated Hallelujah chorus. In this performance, we hear the German-language version created nearly 50 years after the English original. By then, the Baroque era had given way to Classicism, and Mozart expanded the orchestration while making several minor adjustments in line with his own instincts and the musical ideals of his time.

Handel’s Messiah – by way of Mozart

Stockholm City Hall

Part three of Esa-Pekka Salonen's residency, where the honorary conductor leads the the Swedish Radio Choir, the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and soloists Malena Ernman and Jennifer France in György Ligeti's Requiem, written for the choir in 1965 and used by Stanley Kubrick in his movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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Salonen, Jansen & Ligeti's Requiem

Berwaldhallen

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra has never before performed Gustav Mahler’s major early work Das klagende Lied – The Song of Lamentation – for vocal soloists, choir and orchestra. Chief Conductor Ryan Bancroft is thrilled to finally take on Mahler’s youthful masterpiece. “It’s a rare and remarkable piece that should be a real draw for Mahler lovers out there,” says Bancroft.

The Young Mahler

Berwaldhallen celebrates pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff in five special programmes this autumn. Sergei Rachmaninoff considered his choral symphony The Bells – inspired by the poem of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe – to be one of his personal favourites. Also, extraordinary violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann plays Edward Elgar’s beloved violin concerto.

Rachmaninoff 150: The Bells

SR Berwaldhallen

Wilhelm Stenhammar’s The Song is, in turn, lyrical as well as majestic. It is rarely performed, as it requires a large orchestra as well as vocal soloists and upwards of a hundred choristers of all ages. Patrik Ringborg conducts this performance of Stenhammar’s tribute to choral singing as a force for unity, as well as the long-awaited world premiere of Emmy Lindström’s Song Without Words for female chorus and orchestra: a personal tribute to Stenhammar.

Nordic Weeks: Song Without Words

An expansive anniversary programme celebrating Anders Hillborg, one of today’s most recognised Swedish composers. Among the highlights are Hillborg’s second violin concerto with Norwegian rising star Eldbjørg Hemsing and the large orchestral and choral work Sirens with soloists Ida Falk Winland and Hannah Holgersson. Conductor laureate Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Swedish Radio Choir and Eric Ericson Chamber Choir.

Hillborg Anniversary With Esa-pekka Salonen

A mass for the living, not for the dead. Johannes Brahms’ powerful and profoundly beautiful Ein deutsches Requiem – A German Requiem – for orchestra, choir and soloists is a work of deep humanity and hope. This concert also marks the debut of highly acclaimed Swedish conductor Sofi Jeannin with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Eric Ericson Chamber Choir

12 - 14 Feb, 2026

A German Requiem

18 - 20 Dec, 2025

Handel’s Messiah – by way of Mozart

5 - 6 Dec, 2025

Salonen, Jansen & Ligeti's Requiem

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Eric Ericson Chamber Choir