Elbphilharmonie Visions

The sound of the present age in the Grand Hall – the festival for 21st-century music composed for symphony orchestra

© Alex Paxton

Focusing on the here and now: after a brilliant start in 2023, the »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival returns in a second edition. Stylistically diverse works from the 21st century are on the programme – created by contemporary composers who respond to the present and its issues with their individual voice.

The extremely entertaining opening concert presents a new work by the young British crossover composer Alex Paxton, who fuses video game soundtracks, virtuoso chamber music and jazz improvisation into an unmistakable style for which he received the Claussen Simon Composition Prize. »Paxton’s fascinating score made a strong impression on me from the very first moment,« enthuses Alan Gilbert, festival initiator and chief conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, who is truly passionate about modern compositions.

Some of the best radio orchestras from Germany and Austria, which have always rendered outstanding services to contemporary music, once again ensure top musical quality during the festival.

Events of the festival