Dramaturg Micha Häußermann highly recommends the opening concert of our festival with the Konzerthausorchester and Trickster Orchestra on February 14:

“What happens when we expand a symphony orchestra with musical traditions, expertise, and perspectives? How do ensemble playing and joint improvisation work in such a large group? What sounds are created, and what stories can we tell musically on stage with them? For me, these questions are at the heart of our opening concert, and I am incredibly excited to see what will emerge. With the Trickster Orchestra, we have the perfect ensemble for this, as they have been exploring these questions for many years. Before that, our own orchestra, conductor Jonathan Nott, and soprano Camilla Tilling will lead us all into an enchanted space for imagination and dreams with Mahler's Fourth Symphony.”

Lydia Naumann from our event management team is looking forward to February 15, when the Lautten Compagney with singer Reginald Mobley will present their “multifaceted musical programme on a topic that is highly controversial in the context of current world events—the “American Dream.”  This makes it all the more interesting and important to me to explore the original idea of freedom and independence behind this concept, to analyze the social reality that has existed in the United States for centuries, and to take a look at the diverse musical reflections of this deeply rooted ideal in this concert.

Independent and free in its artistic work, daring to experiment across themes and genres, and always taking a nuanced view of society and current events – I can't imagine a more suitable ensemble for this multi-layered program than the Lautten Compagney. In Reginald Mobley, they have not only brought in a remarkable singer, but also an artist who is dedicated to African-American cultural history. I can't wait!”

Dramaturg Filiz Oflazoglu explains why she particularly recommends the concert “Arab Song” on February 15:

“A concert that focuses on musical interaction and improvisation could hardly be more fitting for a festival dedicated to artistic awakening, chaos, and the creation of the unique. The traditional melodies from Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon naturally open up a great deal of freedom for individual nuances and personal expressions by the musicians. This is because they are based on a common melodic organization: the maqam system, in which interpretation and improvisation are fundamentally anchored. In combination with contemporary jazz and fusion elements, this will certainly result in a unique work that can only come into being in this form on this evening. I am also moved by the sound of the oud with its great poetic depth, and I am excited to hear how it unfolds within a jazz ensemble. With a little party, a little surprise, and a lot of musical openness, the festival feeling will be huge on this evening. I'm really looking forward to it!”