Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra presents new season under the motto "Closer"

The Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting its new season under the motto "Closer" and also wants to attract audiences from further afield. "The motto of the new concert season combines our goal of being the best hosts in Dresden with the conviction that the quality of the Dresden Philharmonic has many facets," announced the orchestra of the Saxon state capital on Wednesday at the presentation of the new season. The designated chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles, who will take up his post in Dresden in 2025, is represented with three programs in the repertoire. The orchestra will be touring China with its former chief conductor Marek Janowski. Violinist Augustin Hadelich will be a guest "Artist in Residence", Frenchman Olivier Latry will hold the title of Palace Organist and his compatriot Pascal Dusapin will be the "Composer in Residence".

"Both - excellence and approachability, the highest quality standards and openness to our audience - cannot be achieved in a vacuum. On the contrary: the social developments in our country, the crises and wars elsewhere make us aware of how fragile our cohesion is, especially in this election year," explained Artistic Director Frauke Roth. That is why the orchestra's work is also seen as an invitation to embrace new things, to accept the familiar and the unknown in equal measure and to live democratic values in a very concrete way.

Kahchun Wong from Singapore is to shape the orchestra for another season as Principal Guest Conductor. Renowned conductors such as Tabita Berglund, Dalja Stasevska, Anna Rakitinawie, Kent Nagano, Andrew Manze, Michael Sanderling and Jonathan Nott are also on the podium of the Philharmonie. Musical partnerships with the cities of Prague and Wrocław are expanded. The Dresden orchestra performs at the Dvořák Festival in Prague, the Smetana Festival in Litomyšl and the Wrocław New Music Forum. The Philharmonic Children's Choir will once again be traveling to China.

The Philharmonie has announced a new digital concert finder that allows you to choose the concerts that best suit your preferences. From September, there will be specific concert recommendations with a direct link to the ticket for each type of concert. To do this, users must first answer questions on the Philharmonie's website. The tool is an absolute novelty of this kind for orchestras and concert halls, it was said.

A highlight will be the commemorative concert on the 80th anniversary of the destruction of Dresden on February 13. Runnicles will then conduct a performance of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem". The writer Erich Kästner - a son of the city of Dresden - will also be commemorated with a musical version of "The Flying Classroom". The Philharmonie is also presenting a "Best of Klassik" series. The Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra accepts the Philharmonie's invitation to give a concert at the Kulturpalast.