“Signs & Wonders” The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Biennale

Programme & Tickets Background & Stories

What do we believe? Where do we look for meaning? These questions lie at the heart of many great musical works and remain as urgent today as ever. Our biennial Signs & Wonders – on faith, hope and doubt brings together a wide range of genres, sounds and perspectives as it explores questions of transcendence and belief. Major sacred works such as Beethoven’s Missa solemnis sit alongside a Late Night concert that reimagines the music of Hildegard von Bingen for our own time.

Every two years, the Berliner Philharmoniker’s Biennale explores a single theme through music and its wider cultural context. The fourth Biennale, in January 2027, addresses questions of faith and doubt, hope and certainty. Orchestral, choral and chamber concerts, Late Night events, talks and interdisciplinary programmes bring themes of consolation, conflict, love, despair and utopian visions to life through music and beyond.

Among the Biennale’s highlights are two concerts conducted by chief conductor Kirill Petrenko. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Missa solemnis, premiered in 1824, stands as one of the great monuments of the choral-symphonic repertoire. “Von Herzen – möge es wieder zu Herzen gehen!” (”From the heart – may it return to the heart!”) is the motto Beethoven placed at the head of the score. It speaks equally to people of deep faith and to non-believers, to idealists, doubters and those seeking consolation. In Paul Hindemith’s Symphony Mathis der Maler, an artist struggles with his role in a world in upheaval. The Peasants’ Wars rage across southern Germany, while competing confessions and political interests collide. How is an artist to respond?

The programme also includes a Late Night concert that brings the music of Hildegard von Bingen into the present with modular synthesisers, themed discussions, lectures and readings, and performances beyond the classical tradition – for example by the Harlem Gospel Choir and, as part of our World series, the pan-Arab ensemble Jawa, dedicated to preserving the Sufi tradition.

The concerts, talks and interdisciplinary events explore themes familiar to us all: doubt, trust and the search for direction. Music born of deep conviction invites us to reflect on questions of faith, values and the ways we make sense of the world. Join us as we explore some of the enduring questions of how we live together.

Bright golden-yellow light radiates outward in streaks from a central point against a dark background, creating a starburst or sunburst effect.

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Programme & Events

Kirill Petrenko stands at the conductor’s desk and conducts the Berliner Philharmoniker

Thu 14 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Biennale Opening Concert

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor

Works by
Olivier Messiaen, Sarah Nemtsov and Paul Hindemith

Olivier Messiaen
Les Offrandes oubliées

Sarah Nemtsov
Antlitz (premiere), commissioned by the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, commissioned by Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, th eLucerne Festival and the Bayerische Staatsoper

Interval

Paul Hindemith
Symphony Mathis der Maler

Programme note

Also available in the Biennale package

Fri 15 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Biennale Opening Concert

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor

Works by
Olivier Messiaen, Sarah Nemtsov and Paul Hindemith

Olivier Messiaen
Les Offrandes oubliées

Sarah Nemtsov
Antlitz (premiere), commissioned by the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, commissioned by Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, th eLucerne Festival and the Bayerische Staatsoper

Interval

Paul Hindemith
Symphony Mathis der Maler

Programme note

Also available in the Biennale package

Sat 16 January 2027, 19:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Biennale Opening Concert

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor

Works by
Olivier Messiaen, Sarah Nemtsov and Paul Hindemith

Olivier Messiaen
Les Offrandes oubliées

Sarah Nemtsov
Antlitz (premiere), commissioned by the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, commissioned by Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, th eLucerne Festival and the Bayerische Staatsoper

Interval

Paul Hindemith
Symphony Mathis der Maler

Programme note

Stream

Also available in the Biennale package

A brick church with a tall green spire and arched windows stands in an open area, surrounded by trees and an empty parking lot under a clear blue sky.

Sat 16 January 2027, 22:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
St. Matthäus-Kirche

Late Night

Cornelia Gartemann violin
Harry Ward violin
Julia Gartemann viola
Solène Kermarrec cello

Joseph Haydn
The Seven Last Words of Christ (version for string quartet)

Also available in the Biennale package

A conductor speaks into a microphone on stage in front of an orchestra, whose musicians sit with their instruments and music stands during a formal concert performance.

Sun 17 January 2027, 11:00 Main Auditorium

Family Concert: “Mathis der Maler”

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor and co-presentation
Nelly Danker stage direction

Paul Hindemith
Symphony Mathis der Maler

Programme note

Sun 17 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber Music Hall

At the invitation of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic

NDR Vokalensemble
Daniel García Trio:
Daniel García piano
Pablo Martín Caminero double bass
Borja Barrueta drums

Adam Bałdych Quintet:
Adam Bałdych violin and renaissance violin
Marek Konarski tenor saxophone
Sebastian Zawadzki piano
Andrzej Święs double bass
Dawid Fortuna drums

Also available in the Biennale package

Ein modernes Betongebäude mit geometrischen Formen und großen Fenstern, an dessen Fassade ein Banner mit dem Thema Geige prangt. Auf der Straße davor parken und fahren Autos. In der Nähe gibt es Bäume und Grünflächen.

Mon 18 January 2027, 10:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Masterclass Messiaen Vokal
Anne Le Bozec
Students of Berlin Academies of Music

Mon 18 January 2027, 15:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Masterclass Messiaen Vokal
Anne Le Bozec
Students of Berlin Academies of Music

Mon 18 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber Music Hall

Freiburger Barockorchester
Gottfried von der Goltz violin and direction

Works by
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 39 in E flat major, K. 543

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 “Jupiter”

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Tue 19 January 2027, 10:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Masterclass Messiaen Vokal
Anne Le Bozec
Students of Berlin Academies of Music

Tue 19 January 2027, 15:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Masterclass Messiaen Vokal
Anne Le Bozec
Students of Berlin Academies of Music

Bertrand Chamayou in a white shirt and black pants sits backward on a red upholstered chair, looking to the side, in a dimly lit room with textured walls and dramatic blue-toned lighting.

Tue 19 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber Music Hall

At the invitation of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Piano recital

Bertrand Chamayou piano

Olivier Messiaen
Vingt regards sur lʼenfant-Jésus

Also available in the Biennale package

Wed 20 January 2027, 15:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Afternoon of lectures “Heaven in the Ear – Music and Religion”

Friederike Wißmann lecture
Wolfgang Rathert lecture
Dorothee Bauer lecture

Friederike Wißmann
“Children! Create something new! Something new, and yet again something new!” – Wagner’s religion of art as a creation myth

Wolfgang Rathert
“Now it is time for you to appear” – Paul Hindemith’s sacred music between mysticism and apocalypse

Dorothee Bauer
Birdsong, Hindu rhythms, Gregorian melodies: the tone colours of eternity in the music of Olivier Messiaen

Wed 20 January 2027, 18:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Museum of Musical Instruments

Final concert

Masterclass Messiaen Vokal
Anne Le Bozec
Students of Berlin Academies of Music

Presenter Christiane Florin sits in the foyer of the Philharmonie Berlin and speaks into a microphone.

Wed 20 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber Music Hall Upper Foyer

Discourse at the Philharmonie

A man with short hair is standing in front of a large window. He is wearing a black suit, has his hands in his trouser pockets and is looking into the camera.

Thu 21 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
François-Xavier Roth conductor
Véronique Gens soprano (Hélène)
Julien Behr tenor (Faust)
Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone (Méphistophélès)

Works by
Richard Strauss, Hector Berlioz and Lili Boulanger

Richard Strauss
Metamorphosen for 23 solo strings

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: Roméo seul

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: La Reine Mab, ou la Fée des Songes

Interval

Lili Boulanger
Faust et Hélène

Véronique Gens soprano, Julien Behr tenor, Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone

Also available in the Biennale package

Fri 22 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
François-Xavier Roth conductor
Véronique Gens soprano (Hélène)
Julien Behr tenor (Faust)
Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone (Méphistophélès)

Works by
Richard Strauss, Hector Berlioz and Lili Boulanger

Richard Strauss
Metamorphosen for 23 solo strings

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: Roméo seul

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: La Reine Mab, ou la Fée des Songes

Interval

Lili Boulanger
Faust et Hélène

Véronique Gens soprano, Julien Behr tenor, Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone

Also available in the Biennale package

Sat 23 January 2027, 19:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
François-Xavier Roth conductor
Véronique Gens soprano (Hélène)
Julien Behr tenor (Faust)
Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone (Méphistophélès)

Works by
Richard Strauss, Hector Berlioz and Lili Boulanger

Richard Strauss
Metamorphosen for 23 solo strings

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: Roméo seul

Hector Berlioz
Roméo et Juliette, op. 17: La Reine Mab, ou la Fée des Songes

Interval

Lili Boulanger
Faust et Hélène

Véronique Gens soprano, Julien Behr tenor, Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone

Stream

Also available in the Biennale package

Sat 23 January 2027, 22:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
St. Matthäus-Kirche

Late Night

Heinali composition and sound art
Andriana-Yaroslava Saienko vocals

Hildegarda. Interpretations of works by Hildegard von Bingen for vocals and modular synthesizer

Also available in the Biennale package

Sun 24 January 2027, 11:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

At the invitation of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Organ matinee

Wayne Marshall organ
Brass of the Karajan-Akademie der Berliner Philharmoniker

Works by
Felix Mendelssohn, Marcel Dupré, Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Gaston Litaize and Gustav Mahler

Felix Mendelssohn
Paulus, op. 36: Overture (arr. for brass and organ by Johannes M. Michel)

Marcel Dupré
1. Le Monde dans lʼattente du Sauveur

Sigfrid Karg-Elert
Choralimprovisationen, op. 65: No. 66 “Wunderbarer König” for organ, trumpets, trombones and timpani

Marcel Dupré
Symphonie-Passion for Organ, op. 23: 2nd Movement Nativité

Gaston Litaize
Cortège for organ and brass

Marcel Dupré
Symphonie-Passion for Organ, op. 23: 3rd Movement Crucifixion

Gustav Mahler
Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Urlicht (arr. for brass by Ben Mansted)

Marcel Dupré
Symphonie-Passion for Organ, op. 23: 4th Movement Résurrection

Felix Mendelssohn
Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 107 “Reformation”: Introduction, Chorale, Variations and Finale (arr. for brass and organ by Johannes M. Michel)

Also available in the Biennale package

Harlem Gospel Singers in red robes performs on stage; one singer in front passionately sings with arm raised, while others stand behind with microphones.

Sun 24 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

At the invitation of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Harlem Gospel Singers

Also available in the Biennale package

Six men in dark suits with musical instruments pose around a tree stump outdoors, while a man in white robes with raised arms stands behind them among tall trees in a sunlit, leafy setting.

Mon 25 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber Music Hall

At the invitation of the Berliner Philharmoniker

World

Jawa

Also available in the Biennale package

Tue 26 January 2027, 18:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Otto-Braun-Saal

Reading at the Berlin State Library

Also available in the Biennale package

A symphony orchestra performs on a large, well-lit stage in a concert hall, with musicians and instruments reflected on a shiny surface below and an audience seated in the dimly lit background.

Tue 26 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Vladimir Jurowski conductor

Works by
Bernd Alois Zimmermann and Anton Bruckner

Bernd Alois Zimmermann
Silence and Revearsal

Anton Bruckner
Symphony No. 9 in D minor

Programme note

Ticket sales through the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

A large symphony orchestra poses with their instruments onstage in an ornate concert hall, under warm lighting, with empty audience seats visible in the background.

Wed 27 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Symphoniker Hamburg
Steven Sloane conductor
Azi Schwartz tenor
Eric Owens baritone
The Moran Choirs
Moran Children Choir
Moran Singers

Works by
Felix Mendelssohn and Noam Sheriff

Felix Mendelssohn
Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 107 “Reformation”

Noam Sheriff
Mechaye Hametim (Revival of the Dead), Symphony for soli, mixed choir and orchestra

Moran Singers, Azi Schwartz tenor, Eric Owens baritone, The Moran Choirs, Moran Children Choir

Ticket sales through CLSX.de – Partner für Musik gUG

Kirill Petrenko conducts the orchestra with a baton. He stands on a podium, with sheet music in front of him. Wearing a black suit, he has a focused expression, and in the background, there is a dimly lit audience.

Thu 28 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor
Golda Schultz soprano
Wiebke Lehmkuhl contralto
Sebastian Kohlhepp tenor
David Steffens bass
Rundfunkchor Berlin

Ludwig van Beethoven
Missa solemnis in D major, op. 123

Also available in the Biennale package

Fri 29 January 2027, 20:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor
Golda Schultz soprano
Wiebke Lehmkuhl contralto
Sebastian Kohlhepp tenor
David Steffens bass
Rundfunkchor Berlin

Ludwig van Beethoven
Missa solemnis in D major, op. 123

Also available in the Biennale package

Sat 30 January 2027, 19:00 Biennale of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor
Golda Schultz soprano
Wiebke Lehmkuhl contralto
Sebastian Kohlhepp tenor
David Steffens bass
Rundfunkchor Berlin

Ludwig van Beethoven
Missa solemnis in D major, op. 123

Stream

Also available in the Biennale package

“Signs & Wonders”The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Biennale “Signs & Wonders” The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Biennale

Programme & Events Programme & Events

“Signs & Wonders” The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Biennale

Programme & Events