She hasn’t appeared on stage for three years now. But suddenly the wonderful Swiss singer-songwriter Sophie Hunger, who has given birth to two children and written a remarkable novel in the meantime, is ending her long absence from the limelight. And she does so in a conspicuous and famous location, and as the curator of a four-day festival bearing her name: at the »Reflektor Sophie Hunger« in the Elbphilharmonie.

Subscribe to the »Elbphilharmonie Talk« podcast on

Two weeks before the festival starts, the eloquent and incredibly warm-hearted artist shares in »Elbphilharmonie Talk« what it’s like returning after such a long time. She talks about every single guest of the festival that she has curated with love and respect: so much so that her keen anticipation should quicken the heartbeat of even the most languid music lover. She also provides information about the unglamorous conditions she wrote her book under, which bears the title of one of the songs from her debut album »1983«; she will read from the book to a packed Recital Hall and play the music twice on the last day of her festival: »Walzer für Niemand« (Waltz for Nobody).

The sound of her speaking voice alone makes it clear what a soulful and creative person this singer, guitarist and poet is, who sings in so many languages. Sophie Hunger appears to be a happy artist who, in all modesty, is able to grasp her happiness.