The Organ of the Elbphilharmonie: Iveta Apkalna

The Latvian organist is a master of her instrument. Not only does she have the necessary finger and foot skills, she also has a unique charisma and presence. »The audience want to hear that the artist on stage is deeply passionate about music«, she explains. That skill and passion recently earned her an »Echo Klassik« award. Her grandfather and great-grandfather were both organists, so it is no surprise that she feels at home when playing. »The instrument has just as many tone colours as a whole orchestra«, she enthuses, »and I am the conductor.«

As an all-round musical talent, she is comfortable playing music from all musical eras. For the first organ music evening in the Elbphilharmonie, she has chosen a programme of works that provides a cross-section of the complete history of music. With works by Bach, Gubaidulina, Jongen and Glass, she puts the new instrument to the test.