Elbphilharmonie Visions

Especially when its acoustics are so crystal clear that even the most intricate sound effects unfold with striking clarity. For the third time, the biennial festival brings a best-of of recent orchestral music to Hamburg, presented in compact one-hour concerts by some of Germany’s leading radio orchestras, led by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra under the baton of its Chief Conductor Alan Gilbert, festival initiator and passionate advocate for contemporary music.

A particular highlight: in short on-stage talks during each concert, the composers offer exclusive insights into their creative process, revealing how their works came into being. The programme features both prominent names and emerging voices. The festival opens with a world premiere by Veljko Nenadić, recipient of the Claussen-Simon Composition Prize created especially for the occasion. Born in Serbia in 1998, he draws inspiration, among other sources, from traditional Balkan music: »His works feel organic and compelling, offering a deeply personal perspective on his musical roots,« says Gilbert.