Robert Schumann: The Pilgrimage of the Rose

Balthasar Neumann Choir and Soloists / Victoria Randem / Julian Prégardien / Alexander Lonquich

Victoria Randem
Victoria Randem © Peter Adamik
Julian Prégardien
Julian Prégardien © Chris Gonz
Alexander Lonquich
Alexander Lonquich © Francesco Fratto
Balthasar-Neumann-Chor
Balthasar-Neumann-Chor © Mina Esfandiari
  • Doors open 18:00

  • Pre-concert talk 18:30

  • Start 19:30

Song Recital with Choral Accompaniment

»Compact forces, exquisite effect« (Hamburger Abendblatt) – in October 2025, audiences experienced vocal music in its purest form when the Balthasar Neumann Choir captivated the Hamburg audience accompanied only by piano and harmonium. Now the world-class ensemble returns to this intimate format, centred entirely on the interplay of voices, and brings with it an absolute rarity: Schumann’s enchanting musical fairy tale »The Pilgrimage of the Rose«, performed at the Elbphilharmonie for the first time.

Two internationally acclaimed singers take on the solo roles: soprano Victoria Randem and tenor Julian Prégardien. The special atmosphere of this performance is enhanced still further by the choice of accompanying instrument. Compared with the modern piano, the fortepiano’s distinctive sound is less polished, capable of creating moments of the utmost intimacy before giving way to a striking directness that lends dramatic passages particular intensity.

This provides the ideal foundation for the Balthasar Neumann Choir to bring to life the sensitive and richly coloured music inspired by Schumann’s highly Romantic fairy-tale narrative. The result is an evening of vocal sound magic, transporting ears and hearts alike to heavenly realms.

Performers

Balthasar-Neumann-Chor und -Solisten

Victoria Randem soprano

Julian Prégardien tenor

Alexander Lonquich Hammerklavier

Programme

Robert Schumann
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18
The Pilgrimage of the Rose / Fairy tale after a poem by Moritz Horn, Op. 112

Pre-Concert Talk

(in German)

18:30 / Elbphilharmonie, Kleiner Saal

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Song Recitals

Series

Operas and Vocal Works

Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra

Promoter: HamburgMusik / Balthasar-Neumann-Chor und -Ensemble e.V.

During your visit

Elbphilharmonie Plaza

A public viewing platform on the 8th floor of the Elbphilharmonie

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Food and Drink

Before the concert and in the interval

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Coughing, clapping, chatting

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