The Elbphilharmonie is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a season that looks both backward and forward: a large-scale programme bringing together major international orchestras, contemporary music, jazz, dance, and global artistic perspectives. The Hamburg concert hall’s 2026/27 season places a particular focus on the United States while also exploring themes ranging from Greek mythology to Lebanese music and multidisciplinary performance.
American orchestras at the centre of the anniversary season
A recurring theme throughout the season is the 250th anniversary of the United States. Seven major American orchestras are scheduled to appear at the Elbphilharmonie, including the first visit by the New York Philharmonic since 2017. Gustavo Dudamel conducts the orchestra in October 2026 in programmes featuring works by Jean Sibelius and Gustav Mahler.
Other visiting ensembles include the Cleveland Orchestra under Franz Welser-Möst, the Boston Symphony Orchestra led by Andris Nelsons, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Klaus Mäkelä, the San Diego Symphony under Rafael Payare, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Soloists appearing with these ensembles include Lang Lang, Leonidas Kavakos, and Golda Schultz.
The season also places a strong emphasis on American composers. John Adams is featured prominently both as composer and conductor, while Missy Mazzoli serves as the Elbphilharmonie’s “NDR Artist Across Ensembles,” with performances of her orchestral and chamber works throughout the season.
Contemporary music and multidisciplinary projects
Contemporary music continues to play a central role in the Elbphilharmonie’s artistic identity. The “Elbphilharmonie Visions” festival returns for its third edition under Alan Gilbert, combining orchestral music with contemporary creation and interdisciplinary projects. The programme features both established names and emerging artists, including a world premiere by Veljko Nenadić.
The season also includes a guest appearance by the Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill Petrenko on 8 May. Other major projects include Sasha Waltz’s return to the Elbphilharmonie with a new dance production and Igor Levit’s continuation of his multi-season traversal of Beethoven’s piano sonatas.
Another major focus of the anniversary season is “Reflektor,” curated by American musician Rhiannon Giddens. The multi-day festival explores the historical roots and present-day diversity of American music, from classical traditions to folk, jazz, and Black musical heritage. Guests include Angélique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, Branford Marsalis, and jazz harpist Brandee Younger.
Global perspectives beyond Europe and America
Alongside its American focus, the programme also expands toward other musical traditions and regions. A festival dedicated to Lebanon presents collaborations between Lebanese and international artists, while “Prometheus” explores mythological themes through music by Beethoven, Luigi Nono, and others.
The season further includes appearances by Martha Argerich, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Sol Gabetta, and Yuja Wang, as well as younger artists such as pianist Roman Borisov and violinist Guido Sant’Anna.
The Elbphilharmonie’s official anniversary concert is scheduled for 11 January 2027, exactly ten years after the opening of the hall. Before the concert, the institution plans a public season-opening event reflecting on the Elbphilharmonie’s transformation from a controversial construction project into one of Germany’s leading cultural landmarks.
Subscribe to our newsletter