Junge Deutsche Philharmonie / Noa Wildschut / Matthias Pintscher

Deep-blue oceans, kings, princesses, underwater castles, immortal souls – and a heart-rending love story: Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy-tale »The Little Mermaid« has everything the heart could possibly desire. It tells the story of the Sea King’s youngest daughter, who falls in love with a human prince and dramatically saves him from drowning at sea. Yearning to see him again and make her soul immortal through his love, she makes a pact with the Sea Witch. The Sea Witch gives the mermaid human form in return for her enchanting voice. And although the mermaid is rejected by her prince, everything ultimately ends well. Alexander von Zemlinsky set this emotional rollercoaster to music in a scintillating »symphonic fantasy«.

The concert opens with Pintscher’s »Neharot«, which is dedicated to the people in New York who lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020. »Neharot« is Hebrew for »tears« and for »rivers«, and the work is both a reflection on »desolation and fear, but also the hope for light,« says the composer.