Elbphilharmonie unveils programme for the 2025/26 season

The Elbphilharmonie has unveiled its 2025/26 season programme. At a presentation in Hamburg on Thursday, General & Artistic Director Christoph Lieben-Seutter and Dominik Deuber, Head of Orchestra, Choir and Concerts at NDR, introduced a varied and star-studded line-up filled with artistic highlights and surprises. The artists in residence for the 2025/26 season are cellist Kian Soltani, clarinettist Martin Fröst, Italian conductor Riccardo Minasi and US jazz superstar Brad Mehldau, who is curating a four-day »Reflektor« festival at the Elbphilharmonie. The season also shines a spotlight on the music of Catalonia, indigenous songs from the edge of the Arctic Circle and the 50th anniversary of the death of Umm Kulthum, the greatest female singer of the Arabic-speaking world. A host of prominent musical figures are set to showcase the works of the revered composers Arvo Pärt and Helmut Lachenmann, both of whom are turning 90 this year. Once again, around 50 of the world’s best orchestras are due to perform at the Elbphilharmonie, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the orchestras from Helsinki, Reykjavík and Toronto, and – for the first time – the opera orchestras from London and Zurich. Audience favourite Sir Simon Rattle can be heard with three different orchestras, Christian Thielemann conducts the Brahms Requiem, and Teodor Currentzis conducts Wagner’s »Ring ohne Worte«. Special concert series spotlight the harpsichord and the (jazz) double bass. The season opens on 3 September with the Orchestre de Paris performing a brand new horn concerto by Esa-Pekka Salonen, conducted by the composer himself. Subscriptions for the 2025/26 season are now available at www.elbphilharmonie.de. Individual tickets for most performances go on sale from 13 May.

The 2025/26 season at the Elbphilharmonie once again features many of the world’s leading symphony orchestras. Highlights include: Riccardo Chailly conducting the Filarmonica della Scala with pianist Alexandre Kantorow (17 March). Klaus Mäkelä leading the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (11 February) and the Oslo Philharmonic (17/18 January). The Munich Philharmonic performs under its designated chief conductor Lahav Shani (6 February). Christian Thielemann makes an appearance in Hamburg with the Staatskapelle Berlin (31 January). Sir Antonio Pappano conducts his London Symphony Orchestra (6/7 October). Teodor Currentzis performs Wagner's »Ring ohne Worte« with Utopia (arrangement by Lorin Maazel) (12 November). Daniel Harding leads the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (20 January). And, for the first time, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (3 November) and the orchestras and choirs of the Zurich Opera House (31 March/1 April) and the Royal Opera House (22 September), perform at the Elbphilharmonie. The self-confessed »Elphi« fan Sir Simon Rattle is set to return three times this season – conducting Mahler’s »Resurrection Symphony« with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (21 March) and then with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, an ensemble he has been closely associated with for many years (26 April). Taking to the podium to lead the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, he once again reaffirms his dedication to nurturing young musical talent (3 December).

Kian Soltani has long been playing among the elite of his instrument, in the very top cello league. An Austrian of Persian heritage, the cellist is known for his expressive artistry and the rich tone of his 1694 Stradivarius. A protégé of Anne-Sophie Mutter and Daniel Barenboim, he brings both breathtaking virtuosity and artistic curiosity to the stage. As artist in residence, he is showcasing his wide-ranging talent across five distinctive concerts in the upcoming season. He opens with Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major, performed with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (17 September), followed by an exploration of Tchaikovsky’s cello cosmos with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (30 January). At the third of his residency concerts at the Elbphilharmonie, he performs Witold Lutosławski’s Cello Concerto with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (26 March). Soltani also takes the stage in an all-star trio with violinist Renaud Capuçon and pianist Mao Fujita at the Laeiszhalle (4 May). To close his residency, he presents classical Persian music together with his father Khosro Soltani and his Ensemble Shiraz (29 May).

Fans of historically informed performance practice are very familiar with Riccardo Minasi and his fiery performances as a violinist in ensembles like Il Giardino Armonico. However, he has long since earned a reputation too as one of the stand-out conductors of his generation. Since his first invitation by Ensemble Resonanz in 2014, he has since become its »Principal Guest Conductor«. In the upcoming season, Minasi leads four concerts with the Elbphilharmonie’s resident ensemble, including a concertante performance of Bellini’s Romeo and Juliet (20 February). He also makes his podium debut with the energetic Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, conducting works by Weber, Beethoven and Brahms (29 September).

The Elbphilharmonie and Brad Mehldau are nothing short of a perfect match. The world-famous American pianist, who was the first jazz musician to perform in the Grand Hall just days after it opened, has since become a regular guest and an absolute favourite among Hamburg audiences. Renowned for his ability to weave together jazz, classical and pop influences, Mehldau composes everything from jazz standards and art songs to orchestral works and film scores. His musical inspirations span from The Beatles to Johann Sebastian Bach. For the 2025/26 season, Mehldau will curate a special multi-day »Reflektor« festival at the Elbphilharmonie, offering him a rare opportunity to showcase all facets of his music – whether solo, in a duo, with a big band, an orchestra, or performing his own piano concerto as a soloist (12 to 15 March).

The »Catalunya« festival shines a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant musical heritage of Catalonia. The journey begins with Jordi Savall and his ensembles, who embark on a musical pilgrimage to the Middle Ages, performing songs from the »Llibre Vermell de Montserrat«, Catalonia’s oldest known manuscript (12 November). Flamenco guitarist Chicuelo and jazz pianist Marco Mezquida (13 November) and the vocal duo Tarta Relena, who combine Mediterranean folklore with electronic rhythms (14 November), both seek a dialogue between different musical traditions. Meanwhile, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and the Cor de Cambra present a programme of Catalan orchestral and choral music (14 November). The Cobla Sant Jordi dance band, renowned for accompanying the traditional Sardana circle dance, perform with ten brass players and a double bass (15 November). The festival concludes with a captivating collaboration between singers Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Salvador Sobral, offering a mix of fado, flamenco, contemplation and exuberance (16 November).

Over the course of four days, »Arctic Voices« explores the indigenous vocal techniques of the far north. In her new project »Entwined«, Sami singer Marja Mortensson explores the human breath and combines the singing technique of the »Joiken« with deep tuba sounds (26 February). Mari Boine looks back on her childhood in Arctic Norway in »Alva« (28 February). Tanya Tagaq taught herself Inuit throat singing and blends it boldly with various other musical genres (27 February). Sister duo Piqsiq layers traditional Inuit »Katajjaq« singing with contemporary elements to create something entirely new (28 February). The festival continues with »Ukouk«, a performance by the vocal ensemble Marewrew, who revive the canon songs of the Ainu people from Hokkaido in northern Japan with haunting harmonies that echo through time (1 March). The series concludes with storytelling by the Erdenetsetseg Khenmedekh Trio through epic songs, paired with the Mongolian overtone singing »Khöömii« in a performance by the Tengerton Ensemble (1 March).

The upcoming season pays tribute to two towering figures of 20th century music. Arvo Pärt, a master of spiritual, emphatically simple music that conveys an inner peace, turns 90 this year. Iveta Apkalna, titular organist at the Elbphilharmonie, performs three organ works by Pärt to mark the occasion, alternating with works by Bach (2 October). Pärt’s work »Adam’s Lament« is performed by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, which won a Grammy for its recording of this major work, together with the Hamburg-based Ensemble Resonanz (11 October). Paavo Järvi dedicates an evening to the music of his famous fellow countryman, with the Estonian Festival Orchestra. He is joined by the Japanese violinist Midori (20 October). The celebrated British choir Tenebrae explores Pärt’s connections to both medieval composers and today’s new generation (23 October). Meanwhile, Helmut Lachenmann has been questioning our listening habits for decades. He has long been known for reinventing traditional instruments, discovering unexpected new sounds and playing styles, and making the world of sound his own. To mark his 90th birthday, long-time colleagues are celebrating his trailblazing legacy in a series of four concerts: New music specialist Sylvain Cambreling pays tribute to him with the Symphoniker Hamburg (21 September) and the Ensemble Modern (29 November). The two affiliated ensembles, Quatuor Diotima and Ensemble Resonanz, perform all three of his string quartets (28 November). François-Xavier Roth, Jean-François Heisser and the SWR Symphonieorchester join in the celebrations by turning their sights to his piano music (2 December).

The programme for the upcoming season once again features a strong line-up of concert opera performances. Leonardo García Alarcón and his early music ensemble, Cappella Mediterranea, present Monteverdi’s »Orfeo« – widely considered the first major opera hit – at the Elbphilharmonie (28 April). Alan Gilbert and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra take on Strauss’ expressionist psycho-drama »Elektra« (13/15 February). Countertenor sensation Jakub Józef Orliński stars in the title role of Handel’s »Giulio Cesare in Egitto« (12 February). Great sacred works are on the programme at Easter: the NDR Vokalensemble and Concerto Köln perform Bach’s »St John Passion« (28 March), while Philippe Herreweghe brings the »St Matthew Passion« to Hamburg with the Choir & Orchestra of Collegium Vocale Gent (2 April). Jordi Savall and his ensembles perform Beethoven’s oratorio »Christ on the Mount of Olives« (3 April).

The harpsichord takes centre stage in its very own concert series this season. Olivier Fortin opens proceedings with original solo concertos by Jean-Philippe Rameau (12 December). Justin Taylor explores the inspiration Bach drew from Italian music (7 March). Jean Rondeau pays tribute to harpsichord pioneer Louis Couperin on his 400th birthday (31 January). Mahan Esfahani is an expert in the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. With his electrifying playing style, he elicits new and fascinating sounds from the old instrument (17 April). The series finale features Ottavio Dantone and his Accademia Bizantina, who bring up to four harpsichords to the Laeiszhalle stage for a rousing performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's concertos (1 June).

Even 50 years after her passing, the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum is still revered as an icon throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Known as »Egypt’s fourth pyramid« and the »greatest voice of the Orient«, her music still echoes daily from Cairo to Beirut, from Damascus to Baghdad. Her image graces the walls of tea rooms and coffee houses throughout the region. In December, the Elbphilharmonie is set to pay tribute with a special musical homage, with emerging artists bringing her timeless repertoire into the 21st century. Ghalia Benali and the Ensemble Constantinople (13 December) and Dorsaf Hamdani (17 December) present Kulthum’s music in settings that honour her authentic sound. Then Lebanese-French jazz trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and his quartet (18 December), as well as the electro-fusion group Love and Revenge (19 December), reimagine her legacy through the lenses of jazz and electronic music.

The saxophonist and Grammy winner Immanuel Wilkins presents an instrumental quartet version of his album »Blues Blood« (18 October) and the saxophone legend Charles Lloyd joins forces with three other stars to form the Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet (21 November). The charismatic jazz harpist Brandee Younger performs with her trio for the first time in the Grand Hall (28 January). George Dalaras brings the »Greek Blues« to Hamburg with his Rembetiko Ensemble (4 October), while Sona Jobarteh is set to light up the Grand Hall with the West African sounds of the 21-stringed kora harp (12 April). French pop sensation Zaho de Sagazan, hailed as one of Europe’s most electrifying new voices, takes the spotlight in the Grand Hall for a special guest performance (6 November). The Argentinian composer Gustavo Santaolalla has turned films like »The Motorcyle Diaries« and »Brokeback Mountain« into consummate works of art with his music. At the Elbphilharmonie, he celebrates the distinctive sound of the small Bolivian string instrument known as the ronroco (31 October). The »ePhil« series once again showcases the vanguard of electronic music: the trance-jazz fusion of James Holden and Wacław Zimpel (29 November), the experimental textures of Vienna-based guitar and electronics pioneer Christian Fennesz (13 February), and audiovisual artist Amelie Duchow with her project »Logos Mater« (27 March).

Whether in intimate combos or large big bands, the bass always plays a vital role – providing a harmonic foundation and bridging the rhythm section with melody. The Jazz Bass concert series spotlights five of world’s most outstanding bassists, each showcasing the instrument’s powerful potential as a solo voice. Linda May Han Oh kicks things off with her internationally acclaimed album »The Glass Hours«, the record that catapulted her to global recognition in 2023 (10 November). Henri Texier follows with a tribute to the music of Indigenous peoples in America (4 December). Lisa Wulff, born and brought up in Hamburg, is playing at home on the Elbphilharmonie stage in what promises to be a special night (30 January). Finally, three-time Grammy winner Meshell Ndegeocello (7 March) and superstar Christian McBride (15 March) are two absolute heavyweights of the bass scene set to take the Elbphilharmonie stage.

»End« is the theme of the Hamburg International Music Festival in the 2025/26 season. Ever since mankind has been able to think in terms of space and time, we have been fascinated by the notion of the end. When will it come? And what might follow on after? Music, the most ephemeral of all the arts, offers a powerful medium to reflect on the end and creatively play with it. The festival opens with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra and an array of guest artists performing Franz Schmidt’s opulently scored, late-Romantic oratorio »The Book with Seven Seals« (»Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln«) – a sweeping, dramatic interpretation of the biblical apocalypse from the Book of Revelation (1/2 May). To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, several leading orchestras explore the works of Hans Werner Henze, the free spirit of the post-war New Music scene. The full programme is due to be published in November 2025.

The FAST LANE series features artists who have long since moved beyond their »emerging talent« stage and are racing towards international stardom. Among them is South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, who infuses each performance with vibrant energy, blending classical playing with improvisation and vocals (27 October). Swedish-Norwegian violinist Johan Dalene offers a compelling mix of Scandinavian repertoire alongside works by Beethoven and Ravel (5 December). Described by Vienna’s newspaper »Der Standard« as a »world revolution at the piano«, Alexander Malofeev showcases revolutionary early 20th century music by Prokofiev, Scriabin and Stravinsky (28 January). Lucienne Renaudin Vary and Félicien Brut explore the unexpected yet delightful pairing of trumpet and accordion (14 February), while Brazilian pianist Amaro Freitas and his trio close the series with a laid-back evening of jazz (15 April).

At the heart of the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle lies a dynamic Music Education Programme – one of the largest of its kind in the world, with over 1,000 events. Its diverse offerings range from »Klassiko« workshops featuring conventional orchestral instruments to playful introductions to modular synthesizers. Once again, the upcoming season features a wide array of concerts for all ages – from infants to young adults – including three major productions designed especially for teenagers. The Bridges Chamber Orchestra celebrates cultural diversity by blending classical and folk music traditions from around the world (7 December). The vision string quartet pushes musical boundaries with a fusion of classical music, minimalism, pop and rock (8 January). For a spectacular season finale, Ensemble Resonanz teams up with dancers from the HipHop Academy Hamburg to stage a captivating performance inspired by a ballet by Igor Stravinsky (9/10 April).