Symphony Concert: Light on Parsifal

In the context of Mittwoch aus Licht, Titus Engel, for his first concert as conductor-in-residence, connects the musical worlds of Stockhausen and Wagner. Both composers not only shaped the music of their time, but they also polarised opinion, both aesthetically and socially. A mystical aura still surrounds both; religion of art and classical heroic epic are the central elements of their two late works. A few days before the premiere of Mittwoch, the second act of Donnerstag offers insights into another day of the week-long opera cycle. As a purely instrumental section, Michael’s journey around the world traces a hero’s path culminating in his ascension to Heaven. The parallels to Parsifal’s journey, profoundly influenced by Wagner’s affinity for religious spirituality, are evident. John Cage's piece 4′33″ serves as a link and prelude to the quasi-sacred atmosphere, having revolutionised listening through the establishment of the musical pause as a sonic space. The concert marks the opening of the thematic focus on Stockhausen and Cage, co-curated by Titus Engel.

Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928 – 2007)Michaels Reise um die Erdefor trumpet and orchestra from Donnerstag aus Licht

John Cage (1912 – 1992)4'33''

Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)ParsifalExcerpts from the third part

Artists/Collaborators: Titus Engel (Dirigent), Attilio Glaser (Parsifal), Tareq Nazmi (Gurnemanz), Paul Hübner (Trompete), Paula Breland (Solo-Basetthorn), Paul Jeukendrup (Klangregie), Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin (Orchester)

Eine Veranstaltung der Deutschen Oper Berlin in Kooperation mit Berliner Festspiele / Musikfest Berlin und dem Konzerthaus Berlin

Next date:

• Date Tuesday, 08/September/2026 19:00
• Venue Konzerthaus Berlin
• Address Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin-Mitte