As of: October 8, 2024 1:24 p.m
There is a lot to celebrate in Hamburg’s Laeiszhalle: including the laying of the foundation stone 120 years ago and the completion of the first renovation phase. The Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Choir performed Handel’s “Messiah” there on Tuesday – and invited people to sing along.
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The Laeiszhalle in Hamburg is celebrating a significant anniversary this year: 120 years ago, in 1904, the foundation stone was laid for Hamburg’s first concert hall, which was donated by citizens. The concert hall, which opened in 1908, established a long tradition as a venue for classical music. Great composers and conductors such as Richard Strauss, Sergei Prokofiev, Igor Stravinsky and Paul Hindemith came and went here.
Comprehensive modernization during the summer months
The Laeiszhalle is currently being extensively modernized over several years during the summer season breaks. This summer, among other things, fire protection measures were carried out in the Great Hall, new lighting technology was installed and ventilation was optimized. Work was also being done on the organ in the Great Hall.
Handel’s “Messiah”: Singalong in the Laeiszhalle
The Hamburg Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Choir celebrated both the anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone and the completion of the first renovation phase with a concert on Tuesday. Together with the Dresden Kapellsolisten and other renowned soloists, the choir performed Georg Friedrich Handel’s “Messiah” at the start of the season. The audience was also able to join in with the singing of the world-famous “Hallelujah”. And was also able to admire the renewed organ front of the Great Hall at the concert.
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock and the “Hamburger Bach”
Another reason to celebrate is the 300th birthday of Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, who was born on July 2, 1724 in Quedlinburg and later lived in Altona. The poet wrote a German version of “Messiah” for “Hamburger Bach” Carl Philipp Emanuel. It is the first German-language version to be performed and also the version that came on stage in the Laeiszhalle on Tuesday.
More information
The modern Elbphilharmonie and the historic Laeiszhalle are integral parts of Hamburg’s musical life. more
Johann Sebastian Bach’s son shaped Hamburg’s cultural life as music director for two decades. He died on December 14, 1788. more
The Bach family dominated the musical life of Central Germany for several generations – and also left their mark in Northern Germany. more
15 Min
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock was born on July 2, 1724. The poet of sensitivity revolutionized poetry, was first celebrated – and later almost forgotten. 15 mins
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NDR Culture | The Morning | 01/22/2024 | 06:00 am
