Memorial concert in the Semperoper - Silence for Dresden's victims

With music by Igor Stravinsky and Anton Bruckner, the Staatskapelle Dresden is commemorating the destruction of the city during the Second World War. As a traditional commemorative concert on February 13, 1945, the 6th Symphony Concert will be performed under the direction of Italian conductor Daniele Gatti, as the Staatskapelle announced. The performances are scheduled to begin on Friday (February 13) and Saturday (February 14) at 7 p.m. in the Semperoper.

The program includes Stravinsky's "Mass" and Bruckner's Ninth Symphony in D minor. Both works are characterized by a restrained, spiritual tonal language. Bruckner's unfinished Ninth is regarded as the composer's musical legacy.

For decades, the Dresden orchestras have organized commemorative concerts on the anniversary of the bombing. On February 13, 1945 and the two days that followed, British and American bombers destroyed large parts of the city center. Up to 25,000 people lost their lives. The attacks are still the subject of historical debate today, but experts see them in the context of the war started by Germany.

To mark the anniversary, numerous events will be held in the city to commemorate the victims of the war. After the concerts, audiences and artists traditionally refrain from applauding and hold a minute's silence in remembrance. In addition, the population forms a human chain through the city center as a sign of peace and reconciliation.