Concert information
Info
The organ in the Philharmonie, which was built in 1965 by the Schuke organ builders, is one of the most important concert hall organs in the world, with its 6,500 pipes and 90 stops. It is not only heard in symphonic repertoire, in works such as Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra, but also in the popular series of organ matinées presented by internationally acclaimed virtuosos. This instrument is one of the Friends’ most important projects: they financed a complete refurbishment between 2010 and 2012. During the past season, however, the electronic system, with which the various stops are called up in a matter of seconds, refused to do its job. Since entire key segments failed and the instrument could no longer be used, a renovation was urgently needed: it will be carried out during the summer break in 2023 and again financed by the Friends. At this organ matinée, we would like to present the “queen of instruments” with its new brilliance and sound – and offer you an exciting look at what goes on inside.
Artists
Richard Gowers organ
Oliver Hilmes und Susanne Stähr talk
Programme
Richard Wagner
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude (arr. for organ by Edwin Lemare)
Johann Sebastian Bach
Fugue in G minor, BWV 578
Louis Vierne
Carillon de Westminster, op. 54 No. 6
Maurice Duruflé
Scherzo for organ, op. 2
William Walton
Orb and Sceptre (arr. for organ by Richard Gowers)
Additional information
- Tickets cannot be purchased online.
- The event is free for members of the Freundeskreis. As a guest, you can obtain admission tickets on the day of the event from 10 a.m. – for a contribution towards expenses of €20 per person (€10 for children).
- All guests are free to choose their seats in the hall (with the exception of patrons’ and sponsors’ seats in Block A).
- Please note: A board election will take place before the matinee.
Main Auditorium
For members, guests welcome.
Biography
Richard Gowers
Wherever the 1994 born organist performs, he leads his audience to enthusiastic applause. The passionate virtuosity, the daring impetus and the youthful vigour of his interpretations are fascinating and captivating. No wonder he has won several first prizes in international competitions in recent years. Richard Gowers is Director of Music at St George's Hanover Square, Handel's church in London, and is a frequent guest on concert stages in Europe and the USA. He regularly performs with great orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic. In October 2023, he made his conducting debut with the Academy of Ancient Music at the Monreale Festival of Sacred Music in Sicily, and in March 2024 he will make his debut at the London Handel Festival with Bach's St John Passion.
Plan your visit
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Ticket information
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