In today’s modern times the world is for the young, or at least those who pretend to be! In the same way, art has to glide along lightly in a relaxed and natural fashion, although at the end of the 19th century it was the exact opposite. In the same way as every 18 year old male had to have a thick ‘Grandfather beard’, the most innocent of piano pieces had to be expanded to monumental proportions. Trends come and go. However, we would like to recommend one particular 19th century monument to you – “Nänie” by Brahms.
A production that receives accolades from both audiences and critics alike is a rare find indeed and “Così fan tutte” - in the new staging by Philipp Himmelmann - succeeded in doing just this. We have recently entrusted Himmelmann with our Mozart-da Pointe cycle, a cycle which we are now continuing with the “Marriage of Figaro”. Again we want to lead by example. Anna Netrebko once celebrated her great triumph as “Susanna”, but in this production will take on the role of the “Countess”. The role of “Susanna” will be undertaken by Mojca Erdmann, whose first CD comparing Mozart arias with those of his composer colleagues caused a sensation. Mojca Erdmann was also the celebrated “Despina” in our “Così” production. These are true success stories theatre lovers love to hear! The fact that Erwin Schrott and Anna Netrebko will play a married couple in this opera is sure to also score a few points - the two musicians are also a couple in real life .
Now be honest – do you know any music from Romania, Bulgaria, Sweden or Portugal? There you have it. History judges music unfairly – Central European repertoires prevail, complemented by Russian musical tradition. To correct this, the Dahlkvist Quartet was formed in 2007 and consists of three Dahlkvist siblings from Sweden along with Polish violinist Bartosz Cajler. Performing Grieg’s String Quartet, the musicians will contrast one of the most famous chamber music works to come out of Scandinavia with a work previously unknown to us – the Fourth String Quartet composed by Swede Hilding Rosenberg.
Following the overwhelming success of his last performance at the Festspielhaus, Bruno Ganz will now present Dmitri Shostakovich. Originating from Stalinist Russia, Shostakovich had to constantly make compromises – his fame in the West being the one thing to ultimately save him from prison and the Gulag. His music oscillated between what is casually referred to as “Russian depth” and caustic irony, and the artist’s most personal side can be heard in his string quartets. Excerpts from these - in addition to film music by the Russian composer - have been selected by actor Bruno Ganz as part of this evening which includes texts by a number of contemporaries of Shostakovich.
Richard Wagner – 200th Birthday Celebration A film biography
Wednesday, 22. May 2013
Time:
at 8.00 p.m.
Place:
Festspielhaus
Prices:
from EUR 20,-
This birthday salute to Wagner is extra special. At the centre is a silent film about the composer which was filmed in the early days of cinema history – much to the dismay of Cosima Wagner who considered the entire movie industry to be the devil’s work and used all her powers to try to stop the project. As a result, the original music of neither Wagner nor Liszt could be used for the film. The film crew cleverly side-stepped this problem by incorporating a score that parodied the original music, and today the film is considered an historical document of extraordinary value. We wish you an educational and entertaining evening
Discovered by Alfred Brendel, Kit Armstrong is a child prodigy. He learns languages rapidly, reads books while travelling, calculates in his sleep and composes and plays the piano sensationally. The latter is crucial – Armstrong is a pianist who systematically broadens his Œuvre. In collaboration with him we have planned a cycle of Mozart Piano Concerti which will extend over multiple seasons, and which begins today. The first work in the cycle, Mozart’s 22nd Concerto, will be framed by two “war horses” of the concert world – “Zarathustra” and “Death and Transfiguration”, both by Richard Strauss.
A production that receives accolades from both audiences and critics alike is a rare find indeed and “Così fan tutte” - in the new staging by Philipp Himmelmann - succeeded in doing just this. We have recently entrusted Himmelmann with our Mozart-da Pointe cycle, a cycle which we are now continuing with the “Marriage of Figaro”. Again we want to lead by example. Anna Netrebko once celebrated her great triumph as “Susanna”, but in this production will take on the role of the “Countess”. The role of “Susanna” will be undertaken by Mojca Erdmann, whose first CD comparing Mozart arias with those of his composer colleagues caused a sensation. Mojca Erdmann was also the celebrated “Despina” in our “Così” production. These are true success stories theatre lovers love to hear! The fact that Erwin Schrott and Anna Netrebko will play a married couple in this opera is sure to also score a few points - the two musicians are also a couple in real life .
In his column in “die Zeit” Thomas Quasthoff called Maxim Vengerov a “top-class virtuosic violinist”, one who “knows how to roll through the most complicated of musical passages with instinctive certainty, connecting the most tender of melodies and fearlessly balancing them between irony and sentiment”. “The most tender of melodies” – that reads as beautifully as it sounds, and for this reason, and with great anticipation, we are particularly looking forward to his sonata debut this evening.
Music entered the 20th century in one of two ways – some composers used the tabula rasa strategy and felt the “wind from other planets” (Schoenberg/George), whilst others remained grounded and seized folk music rhythms for their classical music compositions. Bartók and Stravinsky – to which this concert is dedicated - chose the second option. Exactly 100 years ago, some listeners almost massacred Igor Stravinsky, composer of the “Rite of Spring”, for his creation. Today “Le Sacre” is a box office attraction for every orchestra, and a true blockbuster for the listeners.
A production that receives accolades from both audiences and critics alike is a rare find indeed and “Così fan tutte” - in the new staging by Philipp Himmelmann - succeeded in doing just this. We have recently entrusted Himmelmann with our Mozart-da Pointe cycle, a cycle which we are now continuing with the “Marriage of Figaro”. Again we want to lead by example. Anna Netrebko once celebrated her great triumph as “Susanna”, but in this production will take on the role of the “Countess”. The role of “Susanna” will be undertaken by Mojca Erdmann, whose first CD comparing Mozart arias with those of his composer colleagues caused a sensation. Mojca Erdmann was also the celebrated “Despina” in our “Così” production. These are true success stories theatre lovers love to hear! The fact that Erwin Schrott and Anna Netrebko will play a married couple in this opera is sure to also score a few points - the two musicians are also a couple in real life .
This concert will delve deep into the musical basement! You will hear basses in all shapes and sizes. Bass Albert Dohmen will sing every kind of music imaginable – written especially for bassoon, double bass and cello – and some unimaginable music too! This is music composed for a pitch which, at times sounds intense and deep (literally!), and at other times simply funny. Let us raise our glasses to toast a wonderful, enjoyable time at this beautiful Sunday concert!
At one time derided, then adored. When billionaire Nancy Walton Laurie – heiress of the Walmart founder – founded the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, many scoffed at the project. Today it is an institution, one of the few modern ballet companies on which critics the world over are united. Once Laurie financed famous choreographers and first-class rehearsal conditions for her troupe – almost unprecedented in the United States – it wasn’t long before the company had America’s best dancers at its disposal. The renowned magazine “Tanzkritik” once referred to the troupe as a “stroke of luck” – and we have nothing to add to that …
At one time derided, then adored. When billionaire Nancy Walton Laurie – heiress of the Walmart founder – founded the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, many scoffed at the project. Today it is an institution, one of the few modern ballet companies on which critics the world over are united. Once Laurie financed famous choreographers and first-class rehearsal conditions for her troupe – almost unprecedented in the United States – it wasn’t long before the company had America’s best dancers at its disposal. The renowned magazine “Tanzkritik” once referred to the troupe as a “stroke of luck” – and we have nothing to add to that …
Over the past few years Rolando Villazón has explored many different avenues. The popular tenor recorded albums of Mexican folk music, dedicated himself to film music and discovered the baroque composer Monteverdi afresh. However, today’s concert programme presents the singer returning yet again to the roots of his art. Villazón and Verdi – truly a classic combination. And the public thank him most profusely.
Even before he had finished his studies, Eleonore Büning had lauded Igor Levit in the FAZ : “Here is one of the greatest pianists of this century”. His interpretation of the Waldstein Sonata was “a great eruption”. “Levit is a person with both a day and a night side… he cannot rest, he is a walking two man play and one can never be sure if it’s a comedy or a tragedy. He is really only serious when it comes to music”, claims the normally harsh critic. A television programme has been dedicated to the young pianist, who so far is yet to sign a recording contract. Alas, we have no choice but to hear him play live on stage here today!
Sometimes a path leads through a desert – and there is just no way around it. What sounds simple is actually existential and tough, especially for Hélène Grimaud – one of the most charismatic pianists of today – who is notorious for cancelling her concerts. However it is illness rather than mood changes that hinders the artist, who knows exactly what she owes to her adoring public. An artist who doesn’t make it easy for herself or her fans. We take our hats off to her.
What a spectacle! The stage shudders and shakes when children get down to hop-hop. The Children’s Dance Festivals have become a fixture in the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, and this time around classical ballet will be included in addition to the modern dance styles. Girls and boys practise the various dances in appropriate age groups and away from the prying eyes of their parents, who can later return at 4.30pm to admire their dancing children’s prowess! So, all you young dance enthusiasts – come and show us how it’s done! As always, no previous dance experience is required.
Last season when Nils Landgren performed with Viktoria Tolstoy, another musician immediately stood out – jazz pianist Michael Wollny filled the audience with such enthusiasm that we immediately rebooked him. Now at last, the day has finally arrived! Look forward to Nils Landgren and Michael Wollny performing together again. The latter has forged a successful career over the past years, as his numerous awards bear witness. His first album “Hexentanz” is already a classic.
A piano quintet does not mean a quintet consisting of five pianos! There is just one which is incorporated into a string quartet, thereby forcing the composer to make a decision – “should they play in opposition or should I connect them?” There are many possibilities between these two extremes, which is why piano quintets are so highly regarded and appreciated by so many. Piano Quintet No. 2 by Dvořák is pure heaven on earth. However, it is played far too rarely as it is so seldom that a piano and a string quartet find their way onto the concert stage together. Cellist Jan Vogler regularly plays music with friends, and together they perform works which would otherwise be forced to spend their time in the shadows. Be prepared for some musical discoveries!
2013 Baden-Baden Gala: Elīna Garanča & Jonas Kaufmann
Friday, 12. July 2013 to Sunday, 14. July 2013
Place:
Festspielhaus
Prices:
from EUR 63,-
Jonas Kaufmann and Elīna Garanča
Elīna Garanča is one of the greatest opera stars of our time, and in recent years has debuted on one great opera stage after the other. The blonde diva has enchanted audiences in New York, London, Vienna, Paris and of course Baden-Baden, where all were forced to sit up and take notice when she sang the role of Adalgisa in “Norma” alongside Edita Gruberova. Shortly after this she was quickly recognised as one of the world’s best singers. She sings whatever she wants with whomever she wants - and always with passion.
Classic Concert in the romantic courtyard of castle Neuweier.
Philharmonic Castle Concerts
Friday, 12. July 2013 to Saturday, 13. July 2013
Place:
Castle Neuweier
Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orquestra
Classic Concert in the romantic courtyard of castle Neuweier.
2013 Baden-Baden Gala: Elīna Garanča & Jonas Kaufmann
Friday, 12. July 2013 to Sunday, 14. July 2013
Place:
Festspielhaus
Prices:
from EUR 63,-
Jonas Kaufmann and Elīna Garanča
Elīna Garanča is one of the greatest opera stars of our time, and in recent years has debuted on one great opera stage after the other. The blonde diva has enchanted audiences in New York, London, Vienna, Paris and of course Baden-Baden, where all were forced to sit up and take notice when she sang the role of Adalgisa in “Norma” alongside Edita Gruberova. Shortly after this she was quickly recognised as one of the world’s best singers. She sings whatever she wants with whomever she wants - and always with passion.
Monday, 25. November 2013 to Monday, 30. December 2013
Place:
City Center
Surrounded by the hills of the Black Forest, the picturesque backdrop of the Kurhaus and the Colonnades invites you to explore Christmassy Baden-Baden. A visit to the traditional Baden-Baden Christmas Market is like strolling through a scene from a winter fairytale...
Monday, 25. November 2013 to Monday, 30. December 2013
Place:
City Center
Surrounded by the hills of the Black Forest, the picturesque backdrop of the Kurhaus and the Colonnades invites you to explore Christmassy Baden-Baden. A visit to the traditional Baden-Baden Christmas Market is like strolling through a scene from a winter fairytale...
Monday, 25. November 2013 to Monday, 30. December 2013
Place:
City Center
Surrounded by the hills of the Black Forest, the picturesque backdrop of the Kurhaus and the Colonnades invites you to explore Christmassy Baden-Baden. A visit to the traditional Baden-Baden Christmas Market is like strolling through a scene from a winter fairytale...
