Franco-Flemish vocal polyphony finds its culmination in the work of a man who was courted by princes and music publishers, esteemed by contemporaries such as Martin Luther and respected by fellow composers and singers like no other: Josquin des Préz, darling of the gods. In a way unmatched by others, he succeeded in merging contrapuntal arts and verbal expression, techné and ars, brain and heart. With a program of Josquin’s Masses and Motets, ensemble amarcord paid homage in the opening concert of the a cappella festival 2021 to the jubilarian whose work touched people – and aimed at eternity.
Mythos Ot(h)ello
Ot(h)ello – the most famous black theatrical hero, a reflection of 4 centuries of racism on stage. What role did black people play in the world of Shakespeare and Verdi? What influence did the colonial period have on the genesis of the play and the opera? How did the ideas of “white people” about “black people” influence their interpretation? Jonas Kaufmann and Antonio Pappano, as well as the legendary football player Jimmy Hartwig, explore the “Mythos of Ot(h)ello”.
Jonas Kaufmann – It’s Christmas
Jonas Kaufmann echoes his own Christmas memories and joys, celebrating the most festive time of the year with a unique selection of beloved songs and carols. The concert is shot at the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf near Salzburg, the original place where the Christmas carol Silent Night, by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber, was performed for the first time on December 24th 1818. In addition, festive location shots at the Christmas market in Salzburg. Including a rich selection of beloved worldwide favorites such as Adeste fidelis / O come and Silent Night, American holiday favorites like Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Winter Wonderland and White Christmas and traditional German Christmas songs as Ihr Kinderlein kommet and Kling, Glöckchen.
Beethoven Celebration Berlin
In 2020, Ludwig van Beethoven is the focus of the Staatskapelle Berlin’s suberb open-air concert. With star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter playing Beethoven’s Violin Romances Nos. 1 & 2, the composer anticipated the romantic genre of the „song without words“. In capturing the expressive „singing on the instrument“, the virtuoso talent and remarkable art of Anne-Sophie Mutter are once again demonstrated. Daniel Barenboim has devoted his life to Beethoven‘s work and mentality. The musical director, pianist and cultural activist conducts the Staatskapelle Berlin and the State Opera Chorus in this concert. Giving justice to the 9th Symphony with its insistent appeal to humanity and its forward-looking utopian character, are the high calibre artists: Julia Kleiter, Waltraud Meier, Andreas Schager and René Pape.
ACROSS THE STARS – Anne-Sophie Mutter plays John Williams
With ACROSS THE STARS Anne–Sophie Mutter presents some of the most outstanding works of composer and multiple Oscar Award-winner John Williams in the dream-like scenery of Munich Königsplatz. It’s the first-ever open-air concert of Mutter’s unprecedented career. Anne-Sophie Mutter and John Williams have been close friends for many years, which imbues this project with a truly special meaning: “Most of the works I perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Munich have been especially arranged for me – the pieces are absolutely new in this form and are performed at this concert for the very first time!” Mutter explains. The program includes pieces from Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, Dracula, E.T., The Witches of Eastwick, The Adventures of Tintin and Indiana Jones.
Musicverse – orbit
The Zeiss Planetarium in Berlin is the host for Musicverse, a series of concerts enhanced by AI-generated visual elements. Orbit, the band of Marcel Heym, uses morphing to create half-artificial, half-realistic worlds populated by mushrooms and goldfish.
Musicverse – Ásgeir
The Zeiss Planetarium in Berlin is the host for Musicverse, a series of concerts enhanced by AI-generated visual elements. Ásgeir, an Icelandic musician with a penchant for dream pop, rains down nebulous particles in waves reminiscent of the northern lights.
Musicverse – Mogli
Filmed at the Zeiss planetarium in Berlin, Musicverse features concerts accompanied by AI-generated projections in real time. Mogli, a versatile artist from Berlin, plunges the audience into a surprising psychedelic world.
Anna Lapwood at the Elbphilharmonie
Film music arranged for the Elbphilharmonie Organ. Her enthusiasm is contagious: Anna Lapwood is the new face of an ancient instrument. “I love to surprise people!” exclaims Anna Lapwood. Audiences adore her unconventional approach to playing the organ. Millions of followers watch the 30-year-old British musician on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, captivated by her impressive concert arrangements. She repeatedly challenges the classical canon and devotes herself to popular and film music with the same dedication as Bach, Vierne, Poulenc, and contemporary composers. Can she play “Pirates of the Caribbean« on the organ? “Of course,” says the British social media star. At Elbphilharmonie Hamburg she plays a varied program of film music and organ classics, featuring Lapwood‘s own arrangements, cheerful introductions and audience engagement, dramatic organ sounds, and enchanting lighting design.
Virtuoso & Viral
Three young, highly virtuoso musicians are revolutionizing the classical music world with musical freedom, authenticity, and digital communities. Hayato Sumino on the piano, Anna Lapwood on the organ, and Marcin on the guitar successfully win over new audiences for old masters, hereby securing the future of classical music.