Ballet master Drosselmeier takes Marie to the court theater, where she dances in new pointe shoes with cadet Günther—who gives her a mysterious nutcracker. John Neumeier’s touching choreography tells the story of saying goodbye to childhood. John Neumeier’s choreography tells the story of saying goodbye to childhood and growing up. In the course of the piece, the childlike Marie not only discovers the world of theater for herself, but also falls in love for the first time and matures into a young woman. John Neumeier’s unique version of this classic is a coming-of-age story and at the same time a tribute to the legendary ballet master and choreographer Marius Petipa, who brought classical ballet to perfection in the 19th century. The Hamburg Ballet dazzles with virtuoso elegance and opulent imagery – a Christmas fairy tale that gets under your skin.
Premieres Revisited – Haydn’s Daytime Symphonies at Schloss Esterházy
Il Giardino Armonico, conducted by Giovanni Antonini, performs the three Daytime Symphonies two and a half centuries after their premiere at their original concert venue, the magnificent Haydn Hall at Esterházy Palace. Premieres Revisited provides insight into the three works and combines their background with interviews and a passionate and virtuoso performance to convey an impression of the premiere at that time.
Nelsons conducts Shostakovich
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich’s death in 2025, the Leipzig Gewandhaus organized a unique festival featuring world-class artists and orchestras. The opening concert was the first highlight: the Gewandhausorchester, under the baton of its music director Andris Nelsons, performed Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov as well Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4. PROGRAM Shostakovich: Festive Overture, Piano Concerto No 2, Symphony No 4
Golda Schultz, Rolando Villazón, Ludovic Tézier at Neuschwanstein Castle
The internationally acclaimed artists Rolando Villazón, Golda Schultz and Ludovic Tézier crown the castle concerts on the final evening at Neuschwanstein. At the grand finale in the castle courtyard, the names of the soloists are as impressive as those of the composers: Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Mascagni and Léhar. As at the beginning, the finale of the Neuschwanstein Concerts 2025 is once again a passionate journey through the world of opera. Realised with the highest musical finesse and quality by the renowned Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. The conductor is none other than Omer Meir Wellber. The conductor and composer is regarded as one of the hottest opera and concert conductors of our time.
HAUSER at Neuschwanstein Castle
With his innovative musical skills and irresistible charisma, HAUSER is bringing a new wave of cello music to audiences worldwide. His programme includes music that reflects his unique approach to classical compositions, film scores and popular music, drawing on repertoire from his various solo albums. The Croatian musician is acclaimed worldwide for his captivating live performances and is considered a master of audience interaction. To do justice to the beautiful setting of Neuschwanstein Castle, HAUSER and the Munich Symphony Orchestra have selected an exclusive programme for this evening that promises to do justice to the unique surroundings.
Klaus Florian Vogt at Neuschwanstein Castle
A wonderful concert in King Ludwig’s fairytale castle. The Munich Symphony Orchestra perform together with the star tenor and celebrated Wagner hero Klaus Florian Vogt. Together they present works by Wagner, Weber, Mozart and Strauss with full sound power and creative experimentation and guaranteed goosebumps.
Elina Garanca at Neuschwanstein Castle
The Latvian mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca is one of the most influential voices of our time. She is like a storm: spirited, haunting, but also seductive and just as enthusiastic and inspiring as the Chamber Artists (CHAARTS). Together, the musicians present romantic raptures and exciting emotional depths in Mahler’s Rückert Lieder and excerpts from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen.
Jonathan Tetelman & Chelsea Zurflüh at Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein Castle Festival kicks off with a passionate journey through the world of opera: the high-calibre chamber music ensemble CHAARTS Chamber Artists from Switzerland already wowed audiences in multiple occasions. Together with Jonathan Tetelman and Chelsea Zurflüh, they present works from Tosca, La Traviata, Romeo et Juliette and The Magic Flute, among others. The timbre, the extraordinary volume of his tenor voice and his charisma can now be marvelled at on the world’s biggest stages. “A star par excellence”, wrote the New York Times about Tetelman, while the Tagesspiegel added ist unanimously enthusiastic review of his international audience with “balsamic verve”.
Elina Garanca: My Favourite Melodies
In this upcoming episode of the series “My Favourite Melodies,” viewers are treated to an intimate portrait of renowned opera star Elina Garanca. From classic opera arias to lesser-known gems, Garanca’s selections offer a glimpse into her artistic influences and passions. The program combines stunning performances with insightful interviews, providing a captivating experience for both seasoned opera aficionados and newcomers to the genre.