Symphony No. 9
for mixed choir and orchestra
A Symphony Against Forgetting
»What unfolds in this symphony is nothing less than an apotheosis of terror and suffering… Yet while it reflects a deeply German reality, the work is above all a powerful tribute to those who resisted the horrors of Nazi tyranny and gave their lives for the freedom of thought.« Inspired by Anna Seghers’ novel »The Seventh Cross«, Hans Werner Henze composed his Ninth Symphony as a deeply personal reckoning with the Nazi era – experiences that, as a young man, shaped him into a committed anti-fascist. Across seven striking movements, he confronts this dark chapter of history with unflinching intensity.
Henze’s Ninth at the Repertoire’s Core
The Rundfunkchor Berlin shares a special bond with this landmark choral symphony, having given its world premiere alongside the Berlin Philharmonic on 11 September 1997. Since then, it has remained a cornerstone of the choir’s repertoire. Now, under the baton of Chief Conductor Joanna Mallwitz and joined by the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the Rundfunkchor brings this compelling work back to the stage – both in Berlin and in Lucerne.
The concert is part of the Musikfest Berlin.
Programme details
Cast
Programme
Hans Werner Henze
for mixed choir and orchestra
Philharmonie Berlin
Opened in 1963, the Philharmonie Berlin is one of the icons of modern architecture. Architect Hans Scharoun created a completely new form for the concert hall: the 2,250 seats are arranged in different blocks, terraced like a vineyard, around a five-sided orchestra podium. Beneath the hall is the foyer, whose labyrinthine staircases cause even regular visitors to get lost time and again. The unusual silhouette of the building, whose outer shell is clad in golden aluminium panels, can also be explained by its internal layout. The hall is also considered one of the best in the world in terms of acoustics. It is home to the Berliner Philharmoniker, but is also used by other Berlin orchestras and event organisers.
Philharmonie Berlin
Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1
10785 Berlin
Deutschland
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