For the first time, the Magdeburgische Philharmonie performs in the Grand Hall of the Elbphilharmonie. Taking place two days after German Unity Day, this debut carries a particular symbolic significance: a long-established orchestra from Saxony-Anhalt comes to Hamburg, from the Elbe to the Elbe. The evening stands for more than a musical encounter. It is a sign of solidarity with cultural practitioners in Saxony-Anhalt and a celebration of artistic freedom. Julien Chavaz, general director of the Magdeburg Theatre, put it aptly in a statement issued by the theatre: »Artistic freedom is not a privilege. It is a touchstone of democracy.«
Cultural institutions in particular create spaces where different perspectives can be seen, where new ideas can emerge and where dissent has a place. This guest appearance celebrates that freedom while also highlighting the special connection between Magdeburg and Hamburg.
The programme takes us into the great sound worlds of Romanticism. Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor is one of the most moving works in the concert repertoire: virtuosic, yearning and charged with immediate emotional power. The soloist is Sebastian Fritsch, since 2021 principal cello of the Staatskapelle Dresden and winner of the 2018 TONALi Cello Competition. His participation also brings a special connection back to Hamburg. After the interval comes Jean Sibelius’ First Symphony, a work of sweeping symphonic arcs, dramatic power and Nordic colours, in which the influence of Tchaikovsky can still be heard while Sibelius’ unmistakable individual voice is already emerging.
The Magdeburgische Philharmonie is the opera and concert orchestra of the Magdeburg Theatre, which was named »Theatre of the Year« in 2025. Conducting is Christian Øland, general music director of the theatre and chief conductor of the Magdeburgische Philharmonie. He was admitted to the conducting class at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki at the age of 18. Sibelius is therefore not merely part of his repertoire, but also part of his musical heritage.
The concert is presented in cooperation with TheaterGemeinde Hamburg and TONALi. Both share the idea of bringing people together through culture and creating new ways into concert life. This debut thus becomes a special evening connecting Magdeburg and Hamburg, east and west, the Elbe with the Elbe – and a shared statement in support of artistic freedom.
PERFORMERS
Magdeburgische Philharmonie orchestra
Sebastian Fritsch violoncello
Christian Øland conductor
PROGRAM
Antonín Dvořák
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104
- Interval -
Jean Sibelius
Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39
