The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival opened with a very special premiere. The NDR (North German Radio) Symphony Orchestra with principal conductor Thomas Hengelbrock, joined by the NDR Choir and the Berlin Radio Chorus and baritone Michael Nagy, performed the original version of Johannes Brahms' "Triumphlied" (Triumph Song), op. 55, which had its original debut in a Bremen cathedral under the composer's direction in 1871. The original score had been missing until it was discovered two years ago in an archive in Bremen.

Since its founding in 1986, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival (SHMF) has emerged as one of the world's top cultural events. Classical, pop and jazz offerings from world-famous musicians and up-and-coming talents can be heard in lovely palaces and mansions, but also in churches, barns, shipyards and industrial sites throughout the northern German state from which the fest takes its name. Through last year, the festival's concept involved focusing on a new country each year. Under its new director, Christian Kuhnt, the event is heading in new directions and will offer a retrospective of alternating composers' works.

Noble patronage

Highlighting works by Felix Mendelssohn this time, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival takes place under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II.

"Mendelssohn was born in Hamburg, had residences in Berlin and Leipzig, and felt at home in London. The capacity for bringing people together that's characteristic of this composer is crowned in the truest sense of the word with the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II at the SHMF - it's a big honor," festival head Christian Kuhnt said.

Prominent musicians and stage actors such as Argentinean cellist Sol Gabetta, conductor and pianist Murray Perahia, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Bobby McFerrin, Hannelore Elsner, the King's Singers, Elton John, the band Spark and many others will delve into Mendelssohn's work. His five symphonies, seldom performed together in a cycle, and his two piano concertos can be heard over the course of three days.

From July 6 to August 18, the SHMF's International Orchestra Academy will take place once again. With Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story," musicians from around the world will honor the Academy's American founder as well as the original musical from 1967.

pz /gsw