Harbour Front Sounds
Since its official opening, the Elbphilharmonie has had a firm place in the Harbour Front Literature Festival. Star authors like Salman Rushdie, John le Carré and Ian McEwan have presented their new books here, turning the Grand Hall into a stage for public readings. Last year, the Elbphilharmonie and Harbour Front forged an even closer connection: as a festival within a festival, »Harbour Front Sounds« explored the special interaction between literature and music. This year sees the second edition of this successful concept.
Once again, numerous writers, musicians, actors and actresses come together at the Elbphilharmonie (and this time round at the Laeiszhalle as well) to collaborate in a multitude of musical and literary programmes. Among the guests is the author and columnist Carolin Emcke, the winner of the peace prize of the German book trade; together with soprano Anna Prohaska, she embarks on a »Celebration of Life in Death«.
BAP frontman Wolfgang Niedecken, who has just turned 70 himself, celebrates the 80th birthday of his idol Bob Dylan with both music and a book. Author and musician Heinz Strunk reads from his new novel »Es ist immer so schön mit dir« and plays accompanying music.
Author Andreas Kossert, winner of the 2020 NDR prize for non-fiction, has written a refugee tale that takes us round the globe, showing vividly how songs and music can help those who have fled their homeland to preserve something of their own identity. Festivalgoers can also look forward to other big names such as Ferdinand von Schirach, Maria Schrader, Jörg Widmann, Eckart von Hirschhausen and Peter Sloterdijk.