Divided and reunited: the Dresden Symphony Orchestra invites you on a journey through time in the Hofer Freiheitshalle on the Day of German Unity. Under the title "Drüben", the long division of the country will be brought to life through music. At the beginning, a wall separates the hall, orchestra and audience. Whether you are seated in the eastern or western half is decided by chance. For the first part of the concert, seats are drawn by lot. Uniformed border guards patrol the edge of the stage, conductor Jonathan Stockhammer stands on a watchtower.
Two commissioned works by the symphony orchestra in the program
The concert begins with the song arrangement "Hüben und Drüben". Pop and rock songs from East and West show that there were system-related differences, but also great similarities. This is followed by a work by Munich composer Markus Lehmann-Horn, who also quotes sound material from various hymns and songs in his "Utopian Melodies - yelling at Me!". After the break, all the musicians are reunited for the piece "Landmark" by British composer Charlotte Bray. The concerto for piano and winds by Igor Stravinsky rounds off the program.
"Looking back at the time of German reunification shows that it takes people who seize opportunities for themselves and others and make courageous decisions," says Rindt. Charlotte Bray sees the unification of East and West Germany as a monumental moment and at the same time looks beyond Germany's borders: "While German society is growing together and steadily consolidating, our world is unfortunately haunted by an underlying sadness based on increasing division and alienation."
