»Compact forces, exquisite effect« (Hamburger Abendblatt) – in October 2025, audiences experienced vocal music in its purest form when the Balthasar Neumann Choir captivated the Hamburg audience accompanied only by piano and harmonium. Now the world-class ensemble returns to this intimate format, centred entirely on the interplay of voices, and brings with it an absolute rarity: Schumann’s enchanting musical fairy tale »The Pilgrimage of the Rose«, performed at the Elbphilharmonie for the first time.
Two internationally acclaimed singers take on the solo roles: soprano Victoria Randem and tenor Julian Prégardien. The special atmosphere of this performance is enhanced still further by the choice of accompanying instrument. Compared with the modern piano, the fortepiano’s distinctive sound is less polished, capable of creating moments of the utmost intimacy before giving way to a striking directness that lends dramatic passages particular intensity.
This provides the ideal foundation for the Balthasar Neumann Choir to bring to life the sensitive and richly coloured music inspired by Schumann’s highly Romantic fairy-tale narrative. The result is an evening of vocal sound magic, transporting ears and hearts alike to heavenly realms.
PERFORMERS
Balthasar-Neumann-Chor und -Solisten choir
Victoria Randem soprano
Julian Prégardien tenor
Alexander Lonquich Hammerklavier
PROGRAM
Robert Schumann
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18
Robert Schumann
The Pilgrimage of the Rose
