Sat, 19 Sep 2026 19:30

Christine Westermann & Mona Ameziane

»Zwei Seiten – Der Podcast über Bücher« – Harbour Front Literaturfestival

Tickets currently not available €29.95 | 34.95 | 39.95 | 44.95 Please try again later

Mona Ameziane & Christine Westermann © Ben Knabe

Doors open 18:30
Start 19:30
End ca. 21:00

Two piles of books, two generations, two very different ways of looking at literature: in their WDR podcast Christine Westermann and Mona Ameziane talk about books that mean something to them – and about the questions they raise. It’s about good stories, but not just about plot, characters and style. It’s also about everyday life, memories, families, friendships, fashion, pain, comfort, arguments – in short, everything that suddenly lies on the table next to the book whilst reading.

Please note: The event will be held in German.

The appeal of the format lies in the fact that no pre-formed opinions are presented here. Westermann and Ameziane bring different reading experiences, temperaments and generational perspectives to the table. Sometimes they get carried away, sometimes they disagree; often this gives rise to the kind of conversation that literature needs: not reverent, not academically insular, but open, curious and direct. At the Harbour Front Literature Festival, the podcast becomes a live stage event. Live, in front of an audience, with recommendations, objections and digressions. Christine Westermann and Mona Ameziane demonstrate what books are capable of today when you don’t just read them alone, but discuss them together. The podcast is an invitation to go home after the event with a longer reading list…

For decades, Christine Westermann has been one of the defining voices in German literary outreach; as a presenter, journalist and podcaster, Mona Ameziane reaches an audience – a young audience – that sees books as part of contemporary life. In 2024, both were awarded the Julius Campe Prize for »Zwei Seiten«.

Performers

Christine Westermann talk

Mona Ameziane talk

Promoter: MSK Wort gGmbH

Location : Laeiszhalle
Kleiner Saal

Chamber music series, lieder recitals, children's concerts and jazz events seem to be made for the Recital Hall of the Laeiszhalle, which can accommodate up to 640 guests. (Please note: The Laeiszhalle is a separate concert hall located three kilometres away from the Elbphilharmonie.)

Cloakrooms

Strollers, prams, wheeled walkers, walking-stick umbrellas, bags sized A3 (42 cm x 30 cm) or above, sport bags, backpacks and luggage must be checked in at the cloakroom.

Jackets and handbags may be taken into the hall.
Toilet Facilities

Facilities for guests of the Recital Hall are located to the right of the hall entrance. Barrier-free toilets are also available.
Getting here & parking

Laeiszhalle Hamburg
Johannes-Brahms-Platz
20355 Hamburg

The Laeiszhalle can be easily reached by bus, underground and bicycle.

The nearest stops include:
Underground line U2: Gänsemarkt / Messehallen
Underground line U1: Stephansplatz
Bus 3, X35, 112: Johannes-Brahms-Platz
Bus X3: U Gänsemarkt (Valentinskamp)
Bus 4, 5, 109: Stephansplatz

StadtRAD (public city bicycle) station: Sievekingplatz / Gorch-Fock-Wall
There are bicycle stands available in front of the Laeiszhalle.

Gänsemarkt multistorey car park: Dammtorwall / Welckerstrasse
Rate per hour or part thereof: €4.50
24-hour rate: maximum €50

Please note: There are several construction sites in the immediate vicinity of the Laeiszhalle which may make it difficult to get to the concert. Please therefore plan enough time for your journey to the concert.
Laeiszhalle is not at the Elbphilharmonie

The Laeiszhalle is a separate concert hall located three kilometres away from the Elbphilharmonie.
Arrival time

We suggest visitors arrive at the Laeiszhalle main entrance not later than 30 minutes before the start of the concert or event. Late seating is not guaranteed and latecomers may not be admitted to the concert hall.

The entrance of the Recital Hall is located on Gorch-Fock-Wall.

Admission times Grand Hall and Recital Hall:

Events without pre-concert talk:
Foyer: 60 minutes before the start of the event
Hall: 30 minutes before the start of the event

Events with pre-concert talk:
Foyer: 90 minutes before the start of the event
Hall: 15 minutes before the start of the talk

If a pre-concert talk is offered for this event, it is noted above under PROGRAMME.
Accessibility

All halls and spaces are accessible for visitors with disabilities. More information at www.elbphilharmonie.de/en/accessibility.
Photography and video recordings

Photography is permitted at the Laeiszhalle for private purposes only. Please respect the privacy of other visitors and help ensure an undisturbed concert experience for all guests and artists. Employees and artists may not be photographed.

Photography, audio or video recordings of concerts and events are strictly prohibited.

Event-related video recordings or photographs for editorial or commercial purposes must be authorised by the Press Office of the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle.

During your visit

Food and Drink

Before the concert and during intermissions

More about Food & Drink

Description

Performers

During your visit

Food and Drink