The Americans
Finally back on tour: after two years of pandemic restrictions, four famous American orchestras now give guest performances in the Elbphilharmonie
Concerts with American orchestras are like family gatherings with distant relatives: it’s always fascinating to see how different branches can grow from shared roots. On the one hand, American orchestras naturally draw on European models and traditions, and – especially on the East Coast – were founded by first-generation immigrants; they still like to engage German-speaking conductors to this day. On the other hand, American orchestras have developed their own stage set-ups, and the brass players, for example, play on instruments also used in jazz. On the West Coast, the proximity to Hollywood resulted in enormous stylistic openness.
After two years in which coronavirus restrictions practically put a stop to international tours, four famous American orchestras now give guest performances in the Elbphilharmonie. For the Hamburg audience, this is an exciting opportunity to discover anew the qualities of these members of the global classical music family, as they present thrilling programmes in collaboration with top soloists.