Schulkonzert Etruschka © Claudia Höhne 2020/21 SEASON Once again in the new season, the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle offer a concert schedule that is unique in terms of its scope and variety. IN FOCUS Patricia Kopatchinskaja © Lukas Fierz PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA »I’m a subversive element!« That is how the Moldovan violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja sees herself – and she’s not wrong, as anyone who has ever witnessed the passionate artist in action will be able to confirm. However, none of this is an act: everything comes from the heart and the head – and so too in the six very different formats of her Elbphilharmonie residency. Portrait Patricia Kopatchinskaja Thomas Adès © Marco Borggreve THOMAS ADÈS The composer, conductor and pianist Thomas Adès achieved his breakthrough in the world of classical music when Sir Simon Rattle included a spectacular work by the British composer in his inaugural concert with the Berlin Philharmonic in 2002. Adès is celebrating his 50th birthday in March 2021. What better occasion to get to know the all-rounder in all his guises! Portrait Thomas Adès Sir Antonio Pappano © Fabio Lovino SIR ANTONIO PAPPANO Sir Antonio Pappano is a veritable whirlwind on the conductor’s podium, be that in the opera house or in Rome’s Colosseum. He is performing two times in Hamburg with his Rome-based symphony orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia during the 2020/21 season, and also appears as a guest conductor with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. To the spotlight György Kurtág © filharmonia.hu GYÖRGY KURTÁG No one composes in such a tight, condensed and scaled-back form as the Hungarian master György Kurtág. On the occasion of his approaching 95th birthday, the Elbphilharmonie dedicates a spotlight to the composer, bringing together a number of his most important works. The spotlight includes a special focus on his orchestral music, which is rarely performed. Portrait György Kurtág Daniil Trifonov © Dario Acosta DANIIL TRIFONOV Daniil Trifonov descended upon the music world like a natural phenomenon in 2010/11, scooping up awards and prizes at the prestigious Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein competitions over the course of the year. He is a regular guest in Hamburg and can be seen performing six times in the current season, in solo concerts and with orchestras. To the spotlight Teodor Currentzis © Nadia Romanova TEODOR CURRENTZIS In his energetic and radically subjective interpretations, Teodor Currentzis, the star conductor with Greek–Russian roots, explores boundaries and pushes beyond them. He is coming to Hamburg for four concerts – both with the SWR Symphony Orchestra, whose chief conductor he has been since 2018, and with his musicAeterna ensembles. Teodor Currentzis Anoushka Shankar © Laura Lewis REFLEKTOR ANOUSHKA SHANKAR 5-8 November 2020 As the daughter of the famous sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, Anoushka Shankar was perhaps born with a special talent. However, thanks to her versatility, she has long emancipated herself from the overpowering role model. For this »Reflektor« series, she and a number of long-standing musical companions take over the Elbphilharmonie programme for four whole days: from a silent film with live music to Indo-jazz fusion and a tribute concert for Ravi Shankar, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2020. Reflektor Anoushka Shankar Max Richter © Wolfgang Borrs REFLEKTOR MAX RICHTER 6-8 March 2021 As the second »Reflektor« artist of the season, Max Richter takes charge of the concert schedule for a few days. The composer, pianist and producer is admired by a huge community of fans around the world for his minimalist soundscapes and condensed piano pieces. The highly creative mind is also famous for collaborations with artists from almost every field. He has invited numerous musician friends to his weekend at the Elbphilharmonie. Reflektor Max Richter Thomas Hengelbrock © Florence Grandidier THOMAS HENGELBROCK With the Balthasar-Neumann Orchestra and Choir, which he founded, conductor Thomas Hengelbrock realises his personal vision of ideal music-making: dynamic and enthralling, and based on profound historic and stylistic insights. That can now be experienced in action in a four-part concert series in the Laeiszhalle and Elbphilharmonie. To the spotlight Jordi Savall © Toni Peñarroya EVEN MORE BEETHOVEN Celebrations honouring Ludwig van Beethoven, whose 250th anniversary it is in 2020, already got underway in the last season. And the master composer’s works are still omnipresent in the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle: Igor Levit completes his cyclical performance of all piano sonatas, while Quatuor Ébène conclude their cycle of string quartets. Jordi Savall and his Le Concert des Nations orchestra offer a full-scale Beethoven fix, performing all nine symphonies over one weekend. To the spotlight Igor Strawinsky © Susanna Schapowalow IGOR STRAVINSKY 3-12 April 2021 Igor Stravinsky revolutionised music history in 1913 with his scandalous ballet »Le sacre du printemps«, shaping the sound of Modernism as a result. Towards the end of his long career, after the Second World War, he enjoyed working with the NDR Symphony Orchestra and did so often. This relationship is now celebrated in a dedicated festival – featuring the composer’s biggest hits as well as works he developed with the Hamburg musicians. Stravinsky in Hamburg ORCHESTRA Once again this season, the Elbphilharmonie welcomes a number of top international orchestras. After all, conductors and orchestra musicians around the world can hardly wait to experience the unique acoustics for themselves. And those who have done so already are always happy to return. For the Hamburg public this means a wonderful opportunity to compare different musical traditions under this acoustic magnifying glass. Orchestras from around the world »International Orchestras« subscription All orchestra concerts The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen Alan Gilbert © Peter Hundert NDR ELBPHILHARMONIE ORCHESTRA As the Elbphilharmonie’s resident orchestra, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra plays a key role in shaping the concert hall’s artistic profile. The orchestra is now in its second season under chief conductor Alan Gilbert, who has made an impressive start with highly acclaimed concerts. The highlights of the 2020/21 season are three gala concerts marking the 75th anniversary of the orchestra, which was formed in 1945 on the initiative of the British military government in Hamburg. In addition, all the former chief conductors who are still active are returning to the podium as special guests. The orchestra is also involved in the Stravinsky Spotlight (see above) and in the new »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival. All NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra concerts Kent Nagano © Antoine Saito HAMBURG PHILHARMONIC STATE ORCHESTRA What a workload: the Philharmonic State Orchestra gives around 250 opera and ballet performances in the State Opera House each year. On top of that, the 140 musicians also somehow find time for ten subscription concerts in the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall, all of which are performed twice, with a programme ranging from Vivaldi’s »Four Seasons« and the great Classicists and Romantics, to the contemporary period. Half of these concerts are in the hands of chief conductor Kent Nagano, who is also the general music director for Hamburg – an office once held by Telemann. His predecessor’s predecessor Ingo Metzmacher also drops in for a guest appearance. Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra concerts Sylvain Cambreling © Marco Borggreve SYMPHONIKER HAMBURG As its third major orchestra, the Symphoniker Hamburg make a vital contribution to the city’s musical life with intelligently conceived and stirringly played concert programmes. The orchestra’s home is the tradition-steeped Laeiszhalle, but they also perform in the Elbphilharmonie and other venues around the city. Sylvain Cambreling has been the chief conductor of the Symphoniker since 2018: he is recognised around the world for his colourful and imaginative performances, and is conducting a total of 18 concerts in the 2020/21 season. He is joined by renowned resident artists with whom he has a long association, including Martha Argerich and Guy Braunstein. Symphoniker Hamburg Ensemble Resonanz © Tobias Schult ENSEMBLE RESONANZ Thanks to their extraordinary enthusiasm and artistic quality, Ensemble Resonanz is regarded as one of the world’s leading string orchestras. As the Elbphilharmonie’s resident ensemble, it is proud to present the six-part concert series »resonanzen«. As part of this series, the musicians cover the whole spectrum from traditional classical music to contemporary works in highly innovative programmes. Charismatic guests such as the current resident artist Riccardo Minasi provide additional inspiration. The ensemble also seeks to present classical and contemporary music in a lively way through children’s concerts and as part of the festival. »resonanzen« subscription Manfred Honeck © Felix Broede CANCELLED: PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Based in the former steel metropolis half way between New York and Chicago, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s excellent reputation was established by such august chief conductors as Mariss Jansons and Lorin Maazel. Manfred Honeck has been continuing that tradition since 2009. Please note: As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts in the 2020/21 season cannot go ahead. The events have had to be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts Franz Welser-Möst © Julia Wesely CANCELLED: THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA The Cleveland Orchestra is known as the most European of the »Big Five«, the five leading symphony orchestras in the USA. Formed in 1918, it was shaped by legends such as George Szell, Pierre Boulez and Lorin Maazel. Franz Welser-Möst has been the orchestra’s musical director since 2002. Please note: As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Cleveland Orchestra concerts in the 2020/21 season cannot go ahead. The events have had to be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Konzerte des Cleveland Orchestra Andris Nelsons © Marco Borggreve GEWANDHAUSORCHESTER LEIPZIG Das Gewandhausorchester Leipzig und sein Chefdirigent Andris Nelsons geben an drei Tagen einen Querschnitt durch Beethovens Schaffen: mit drei Sinfonien, drei Solokonzerten und den drei Top-Solisten Anne-Sophie Mutter, Daniel Müller-Schott und Daniil Trifonov. Konzerte des Gewandhausorchesters Leipzig Valery Gergiev © Marco Borggreve MARIINSKI THEATRE Nowhere can you feel the soul of Russian (ballet) music as palpably as in Saint Petersburg’s legendary Mariinski Theatre. But perhaps that’s not quite accurate. Because when the choir, orchestra and solo singers visit Hamburg for three days under chief conductor Valery Gergiev, the spirit of Mother Russia also animates the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall. Mariinski Theatre concerts Paavo Järvi © Kaupo Kikkas TONHALLE-ORCHESTER ZÜRICH The Estonian Paavo Järvi only took over the post of chief conductor with the famous Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich in autumn 2019, yet this new musical liaison is already regarded as a landmark in the classical music world. The musicians are delighted – and audiences and critics are enthralled. This musical team is coming to the Elbphilharmonie for three days of guest performances in March 2021. Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich concerts Tugan Sokhiev © Patrice Nin BOLSHOI THEATRE Bolshoi – the name alone is enough to get the hearts of opera and ballet fans around the world beating faster. The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is Russia’s most famous cultural institution, and its stately hall of gold and red velvet attracts thousands of visitors from far and wide. The ensembles of this legendary establishment can be seen performing in two concerts in Hamburg under their chief conductor Tugan Sokhiev. Bolshoi Theatre Choir and Orchestra concerts FESTIVALS Charly Hübner © Adrian Höllger HARBOUR FRONT SOUNDS 11-15 September 2020 Now for the twelfth time, the Harbour Front Literature Festival draws the biggest stars of the scene to Hamburg. Since it first opened its doors, the Elbphilharmonie has become a regular venue, hosting authors such as Salman Rushdie and John le Carré. The Harbour Front and the Elbphilharmonie are now developing the connection further: as a festival within a festival, »Harbour Front Sounds« is dedicated to the relationship between music and literature. Harbour Front Sounds Festival Kaija Saariaho © Maarit Kytoeharju ELBPHILHARMONIE VISIONS 19-28 February 2021 The music of the 21st century is never more at home than in a 21st-century concert hall. The Elbphilharmonie has been putting this insight into action from the very beginning – works by contemporary composers are performed often and with great enthusiasm. And contemporary music is now getting its own festival, held once every two years, with Alan Gilbert as its spiritus rector: Elbphilharmonie Visions. Elbphilharmonie Visions Festival Teodor Currentzis © Alisa Calipso EASTER IN THE ELBPHILHARMONIE 29 March-5 April 2021 For some it is the holiest of Christian holidays, for others it is a welcome excuse to enjoy a few days off and eat one’s weight in chocolate eggs. But even the those who fail to appreciate the true significance of Easter are, presumably, not completely oblivious to its spiritual dimension. This is where the Easter programme comes in, with a number of very special concerts – above all Bach’s famous »St Mathew Passion«. Easter in the Elbphilharmonie HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 30 April-31 May 2021 Once again this year the Hamburg International Music Festival provides numerous highlights and a special programmatic concentration of the concert offering. The festival’s theme is »hope«, as reflected in several opera performances, including Schumann’s only opera »Genoveva«. There is a special focus on Alfred Schnittke, another composer with close ties to Hamburg. Hamburg International Music Festival Igor Stravinsky © Sacher-Stiftung STRAVINSKY IN HAMBURG 3-12 April 2021 On 6 April 2021, the world of music remembers the 50th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s death. To mark this occasion, the NDR is dedicating a ten-day festival to the composer, featuring the ensembles of the NDR and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as distinguished guest artists such as Sakari Oramo, Vladimir Jurowski, Evgeni Koroliov, Alexander Lonquich and Julian Rachlin. In addition to pieces Stravinsky himself brought to Hamburg, the concerts also present a representative selection of exceptional works from his oeuvre. Stravinsky in Hamburg GENRES Enno Poppe © Harald Hoffmann NEW MUSIC In a concert hall with such visionary architecture as that of the Elbphilharmonie, New Music belongs to the core of the programme. Two composer Portraits and the major new festival »Elbphilharmonie Visions« put New Music firmly under the spotlight. The »State of the Art« series offers concerts for anyone looking for exciting sounds and unusual line-ups. And musicians continue to work on the music of the future in »Below Deck«. Elbphilharmonie Visions Festival Portrait Thomas Adès Portrait György Kurtág State of the Art subscription Below Deck series Hagen Quartett © Harald Hoffmann CHAMBER MUSIC & SONG RECITALS The recital halls in the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle are both perfect for chamber music and song recitals. In the intimate ambience of the recital halls, audiences get even closer to the artists and can follow the interaction on stage particularly well. String Quartet subscription Subscription: The Belcea Quartet plays Brahms Song Recitals subscription Chamber Music in the Laeiszhalle subscription Friends of Chamber Music subscription Christina and Michelle Naughton © Lisa Marie Mazzucco PIANO RECITALS The piano is such a versatile instrument that it can replace a whole orchestra. The list of top-class pianists visiting Hamburg this season is a long one. The »Master Pianists« series is traditionally held in the Laeiszhalle Grand Hall. Piano Recitals series Master Pianists subscription Pianomania subscription SFJazz Collective © Jay Blakesberg JAZZ This season’s jazz offering has a strong American bias, featuring a number of the outstanding artists of our age and a focus on large ensembles. The discerning programme in the Elbphilharmonie Recital Hall is being extended continuously, while the »Jazz Piano« series continues in the Laeiszhalle. There is a reunion with Charles Lloyd, Chucho Valdés and the SF Jazz Collective. Jazz at the Phil subscription Jazz Piano subscription Elbphilharmonie / Laeiszhalle Jazz Sarathy Korwar © Rishabh Sood WORLD MUSIC Musicians from all kinds of genres and from all around the world are invited to the »Worldphilharmonie« – the series »World Classical Music« and »Around the World« take audiences on global musical journeys. Around the World subscription World Classical Music Alessandro Cortini © Emilie Elizabeth POP & ELECTRONICA Pop and electronica also belong in a 21st-century concert hall. Hot Hamburg artists are given a stage in the »Made in Hamburg« series. Sound magicians, synthesizer gods and modular tinkerers continue to perform in the series »ePhil«, which now moves from the Resonanzraum in St. Pauli to the Elbphilharmonie. Made in Hamburg series ePhil series Accademia Bizantina © Accademia Bizantina CONCERT OPERA It’s well-known that the Elbphilharmonie is not an opera house. Nonetheless, opera can regularly be enjoyed here at the highest level – but without scenery. But that doesn’t matter: in purist concert versions, the music can be heard to its best advantage. And this season it really packs a punch. Opera Concert series Sete Lágrimas © Rita Santos DAS ALTE WERK Admirers of the dynamic, emotionally concentrated music of the Baroque, Renaissance and earlier periods really get their money’s worth in the tradition-steeped series »Das Alte Werk«. Once again, six passionate ensembles with high profiles in this field give guest performances in the rarefied ambience of the Laeiszhalle. All six ensembles are committed to historically informed performance practice with the greatest possible musical authenticity. Das Alte Werk subscription Iveta Apkalna © Aiga Redamane ORGAN »Maître« is what the French call organists of outstanding merit who usually work in one venerable church. Once again this season, a number of »masters« give guest performances on the Klais organ in the Elbphilharmonie. As the Elbphilharmonie’s titular organist, Iveta Apkalna takes to the organ console numerous times this season. Simply Organ subscription All organ concerts Twinkle Concert XS © Claudia Höhne A FEAST FOR YOUNG EARS The Elbphilharmonie has something to offer even the youngest visitor: in carefully selected family and children’s concerts that are precisely tailored to the respective age group. In a cosy ambience, these »Twinkle Concerts« – which are categorised by clothing size – present imaginative music-theatre productions from all over Europe, telling their exciting, funny or thought-provoking stories mostly without words and only through music. Twinkle Concerts XS / Elfi Baby Concerts Twinkle Concerts S / Ages 1-3 Twinkle Concerts M / Ages 3-5 Twinkle Concerts L / Ages 6+ Twinkle Concerts XL / Ages 8+ Twinkle Concerts XXL / Ages 14+ Learn more about the Elbphilharmonie’s programme for children and families To the top Contact Press Venue Hire Publications Concert Archive FAQ Team Careers Legal Privacy Policy Payment Terms & Conditions Cookie Settings Get our newsletter Sitemap