The Schuke organ in vienna’s Great Broadcasting hall is taking center stage in a new concert series that promises to showcase its remarkable versatility. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary compositions, the six-concert series will explore the organ’s vast musical range.
A Musical Journey Through Time
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Kicking off the series on January 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. are renowned actress Birgit Minichmayr and organist Wolfgang Kogert. Their performance will feature a captivating musical reading set to the works of contemporary composer Klaus Lang.
“The Schuke organ in the broadcasting hall enjoys a unique selling point – it is part of a ‘secular’ concert setting and does not sound as usual in a church,” organizers noted.
The series promises an eclectic mix of genres, including classical, pop, improvisation, and crossover, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for audiences.
Joining Minichmayr and Kogert on this musical journey are a host of celebrated artists,including organist Cameron Carpenter (March 1st),actor Karl Markovics and organist Martin Haselböck (March 25th),and musicians Lylit and Benjamin Schmid.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Birgit Minichmayr, who made her debut at Vienna’s Burgtheater in 1999, is a celebrated actress with numerous awards to her name, including the Ulrich Wildgruber Prize and the Nestroy Theater Prize. Her performance in Maren ade’s “Toni Erdmann” earned her the Silver Bear at the Berlinale in 2009. She has graced the stage at the Salzburg Festival and received a German film Prize nomination in 2021.
“Wolfgang Kogert”
“klaus Lang”
Tickets for the concert series are €38, with discounts available for ORF RadioKulturhaus cardholders (50%) and Ö1 Club members (10%).
vienna-based organist Wolfgang Kogert is renowned for his wide-ranging repertoire, spanning from medieval compositions like the “Robertsbridge Codex” (1360) to contemporary works. Kogert actively collaborates with modern composers, including Friedrich Cerha and Wolfgang mitterer. His performances have graced prestigious venues, such as the Vienna Music Association, where he showcased works by Bernd Richard Deutsch and Thomas Amann alongside the ORF vienna radio Symphony orchestra.
In 2020, kogert made history by premiering Klaus Lang’s “sounding light” with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Since 2019, he has served as the custodian of the organ at the ORF RadioKulturhaus, further cementing his place in Vienna’s vibrant musical landscape.
Klaus Lang, a composer and organist, honed his craft at the University of Music and Performing Arts graz (KUG). he studied composition and music theory under the tutelage of esteemed figures like Hermann Markus Preßl,Beat Furrer,and Younghi Pagh-Paan.Lang also received organ instruction from Otto Bruckner. His compositional approach centers on exploring the inherent beauty of sound through attentive listening. “For Lang, time is the central material and subject of music. For him, music is time made audible.”
This remarkable collaboration between Kogert and Lang was made possible with the generous support of the Broadcasting Collecting Society (VGR).
## From Renaissance to Renaissance Man: Exploring the Versatility of Vienna’s Schuke Organ
_World Today News_ sat down with renowned organist **Wolfgang Kogert**, one half of the duo kicking off the Vienna’s Great Broadcasting Hall’s new Schuke Organ Concert Series, to discuss the instrument’s versatility and the exciting program ahead.
**_WTN:_ Wolfgang,the Schuke organ is known for its grandeur. What makes it so special, especially in a secular setting like the Great Broadcasting Hall?**
**_WK:_** The schuke organ is truly a remarkable instrument. Its multifaceted sound palette allows for incredible expression and nuance. While many associate organs with the solemnity of a church setting, the broadcasting hall’s acoustic properties and the lack of religious context create a unique space for exploration. It’s almost like the organ gets to shed its customary skin and reveal its full artistic potential.
**_WTN:_ The opening concert features a collaboration with actress Birgit Minichmayr, showcasing works by Klaus Lang. How did this unique pairing come about, and what can the audience expect?**
**_WK:_** Birgit and I have been looking for opportunities to blend music and spoken word, and Klaus Lang’s innovative compositions provided the perfect foundation. His pieces are both challenging and deeply moving, and Birgit’s captivating performances will undoubtedly elevate the emotional experience for the audience.
**_WTN:_ The concert series promises a diverse range of genres,from classical to pop. Why was it crucial to curate such an eclectic selection?**
**_WK:_** We wanted to showcase the incredible versatility of the Schuke organ. It’s not just a classical instrument; it can adapt and thrive in countless musical styles. This series aims to challenge perceptions and demonstrate the organ’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
**_WTN:_ You’ll be joined by some incredible artists throughout the series.Can you tell us about some of the highlights?**
**_WK:_** I’m thrilled to share the stage with such talented individuals. Cameron Carpenter’s innovative approach to the organ is truly inspiring, and Karl Markovics, a renowned actor, brings a compelling theatrical element to his collaboration with Martin Haselböck.
**_WTN:_ Ultimately, what do you hope audiences take away from this unique concert experience?**
**_WK:_** We hope to open people’s ears and minds to the vast possibilities of the organ. We want them to leave feeling inspired, moved, and perhaps even surprised by what this splendid instrument can achieve.
