Since its inauguration in 2017, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie has quickly become one of the most prestigious venues in the world for classical music — a stage where artists, orchestras, and audiences alike dream of gathering. The newly announced 2025–26 season reflects the hall’s global reach and artistic ambition, offering an eclectic programme that spans from major symphonic forces to Catalan traditions, Arctic indigenous songs, and contemporary jazz.
Artists in residence and new festivals
Cellist Kian Soltani, clarinettist Martin Fröst, conductor Riccardo Minasi, and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau will be artists in residence next season. Mehldau will also curate a four-day “Reflektor” festival, exploring his multifaceted work across jazz, classical, and orchestral music.
Special thematic focuses include the music of Catalonia, an exploration of Arctic vocal traditions, and a tribute marking the 50th anniversary of the death of iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum.
Major orchestras and guest conductors
The Elbphilharmonie will once again host around 50 top orchestras. Highlights include:
- Riccardo Chailly conducting the Filarmonica della Scala with Alexandre Kantorow.
- Klaus Mäkelä leading the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Oslo Philharmonic.
- Christian Thielemann conducting Brahms’ German Requiem with the Staatskapelle Berlin.
- Teodor Currentzis presenting Wagner’s Ring ohne Worte with Utopia.
- Daniel Harding with the Vienna Philharmonic.
- First appearances by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Zurich Opera House ensemble, and the Royal Opera House Orchestra.
Sir Simon Rattle, a frequent guest, will return to Hamburg with three different orchestras, including performances of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony.
Spotlights on composers turning 90: Pärt and Lachenmann
The season also marks the 90th birthdays of Arvo Pärt and Helmut Lachenmann.
- Pärt’s music will be featured in concerts by Iveta Apkalna, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Paavo Järvi with the Estonian Festival Orchestra, and the Tenebrae Choir.
- Lachenmann’s work will be celebrated with performances led by Sylvain Cambreling, François-Xavier Roth, and ensembles such as Ensemble Modern and Ensemble Resonanz.
Special series and themes
- Concert operas: including Monteverdi’s Orfeo (Cappella Mediterranea), Strauss’ Elektra (Alan Gilbert and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra), and Handel’s Giulio Cesare starring Jakub Józef Orliński.
- Harpsichord series: with Jean Rondeau, Mahan Esfahani, and Ottavio Dantone among the performers.
- Jazz and pop: performances by Charles Lloyd, Brandee Younger, Sona Jobarteh, Zaho de Sagazan, and Gustavo Santaolalla.
- Jazz Bass series: featuring Linda May Han Oh, Henri Texier, Lisa Wulff, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Christian McBride.
Endings and new beginnings
The Hamburg International Music Festival will revolve around the theme “End,” opening with Franz Schmidt’s oratorio The Book with Seven Seals and exploring works by Hans Werner Henze on the centenary of his birth.
Emerging artists and education
The “FAST LANE” series will showcase names like Abel Selaocoe, Johan Dalene, and Alexander Malofeev, while the hall’s educational programme will offer over 1,000 events, reaffirming its commitment to engaging the next generation of musicians and audiences.
For full programme details and ticket information, visit the Elbphilharmonie’s official website .
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