Friedemann Ludwig studied in Dresden and Leipzig and is a founding member of the Berlin String Sextet. He performs and teaches at festivals (Aigues-Vives en Musiques, Harleshausen, Ahrenshoop Chamber Music, Oldenburg Promenade, Rheinsberg Palace) and teaches at the Kurt Sanderling Academy of the Konzerthausorchester. His instrument is a Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume cello from 1840.

For a long time it was my first encounter with the 4th Symphony by Johannes Brahms – my absolute favourite symphony! Michael Schønwandt was on the podium at the time. For days afterwards, this music was still buzzing in my head, I could hardly hear anything else. Then, some time ago, the performance of the “Blumine” movement of Gustav Mahler’s 1st Symphony under Iván Fischer took that special place.

It’s not so much a specific place as a walk at night. After our concerts, I often walk over to Hackescher Markt with my cello on my back. Unter den Linden, the Altes Museum and the Berlin Cathedral are then often deserted and radiate a wonderful sense of calm, like ancient trees. Especially in the rain, this path has become a power centre for me, so that I can then join the party at Hackescher Markt.