Humorous start to the Dresden Music Festival

Dresdner Philharmonie performs opening concert with Olaf Schubert

After the unofficial opening with a performance of Richard Wagner's "Götterdämmerung" on instruments from the time the work was composed in the 19th century, the opening concert on Friday evening will also be humorous. A comedian, Olaf Schubert, has been engaged for the program. Under the direction of Norwegian Tabita Berglund, the Philharmonie will perform works such as the "Oberon" overture and Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition", a true classical hit. Jan Vogler also joins the action as a soloist in Henri Dutilleux's cello concerto.

As a "festival within a festival", Dresden is hosting "Cellomania" for the third time, with around 40 cellists from all over the world performing in 17 concerts over four weeks. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Edward Gardner, is in residence at the festival and will perform works by Edward Elgar on two evenings. The British violinist Nicola Benedetti and Vogler with his cello will also be performing as soloists.