despite it all!
TRANSCRIPT
DESPITE IT ALL!FREELANCE MUSICIANS IN THE PANDEMICSEASON 2020/2021
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK
DESPITE IT ALL!THE BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLESIN THE CORONA PANDEMIC
Would it really have been so difficult to distribute the burden of the pandemic even close to evenly? For everyone in this country to carry a small part of the load, so that a few were not saddled with the whole weight? All citizens, old and young, were affected by the health risks and by the resulting protective measures. Shouldn’t our whole society, when it was simultaneously threatened and protected as a community, have shared the resulting costs in solidarity?
Politicians thought otherwise. Alongside a few others, we freelance artists, as self-employed workers, were deemed irrelevant, not important enough, a group that could be neglected, even if it cost people’s livelihoods. Other things were considered actually important: production of cars, weapons, meat products, luxury goods, consumer articles... In these cases, no testing, social distancing, or masks were required for long periods of time. Wirtschafts(wunder?)land.
But even if we belong to a rare, soon-to-be-extinct species: for us, what we do and have done our whole lives is important and relevant. Vital to life. Crucial to survival. Necessary and imperative. Meaningful. Uniting.
We love music, culture, and coming together from many different countries. Making music together as Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists and agnostics.
Music is in us, it’s the best part of us. It provides us with spiritual nourishment, with news from the other side of the world. From where ladders to heaven are built, where ancient treasures are guarded, where certainties revert to secrets. Where out of futility the meaning of life is forged and where life can be a game. We could not simply put that aside, to yield without resistance. It would have been at too great a cost to our souls.
It was indescribably difficult to organise our projects in recent months. But we have our musicians and singers, who had an unconditional will to come together. We have our exceptional manager Christina Schonk who, together with our fantastic employees, not only cleared our path of obstacles but moved mountains.
And we have our art, which connects us, comforts, uplifts, delights, and creates hope.
IN THE BEGINNING
AN AFTERWORD ON RECENT EVENTS
FROM THOMAS HENGELBROCK
04.03.2020“The safety of the population comesfirst – also before economic interests.“National Health Minister Jens Spahn
27.01.2020Rehearsal start for the big BEETHOVEN TOUR FREIBURG
PLANNING MEETINGAT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
MARKETING WORKSHOPAT THE HAMBURG OFFICE
30.01.2020The WHO declares a “health emergency of international concern.“
27.01.2020first corona casein Germany
11.02.2020The WHO names the new lung disease COVID-19. The virus receives the name Sars-CoV-2.
12.02.2020Jens Spahn: “Germany is well equipped to deal with the virus.“
18.03.2020ban on third-country nationals entering the EU, worldwide travel warning, restriction of all unnecessary travel in the EU, closure of many businesses
12.03.2020an increasing number of cultural institutions close
11.03.2020The WHO declares a pandemic.
11.03.2020Spahn: “That’s why it is always necessary to retain a balance – between interventions and everyday life.” Spahn’s appeal: cancel all large events with more than 1,000 participants.
18.03.2020Merkel’s speech: “The situation is serious. Take it seriously.” // “…a challenge of historical scale.” // “Precisely at this time of need we want to be there for one another. However, right now the opposite is the correct thing to do. Currently, distance is the only expression of care.”
22.03.2020first lockdown is put into place: contact restrictions
CANCELLATION OF ACADEMY AUDITIONS 19. – 21.03.2020
JAN FEB MAR
CONCERTS02.02. BADEN-BADEN 03.02. PARIS 04.02. BRUSSELS 07.02. DORTMUND 09.02. HAMBURG 11.02. BREMEN12.02. ATHENS
11.03.2020the first concert without an audience at the Elbphilharmonie
12.07.2020agreement on EU budget and an aid package of 1,8 trillion euro
02.07.2020resolution of funding programme “relaunch culture” of 1 billion euro
10.04.202014-day mandatory home quarantine for returnees from abroad
15.04.2020resolution: no large events until 31.08.2020
17.04.2020Spahn: “…gradual return to normal business.”
20.04.2020open letter toMonika Grütters from creative artists
29.04.2020mandatory maskson public transport and in shops
29.04.2020Biontech/Pfizer begins testing vaccines onhumans
03.06.2020resolution of a stimulus packagein Germany: 130 billion euro. Olaf Scholz: “emerge from thecrisis with a kick.”
06.05.2020loosening of restrictions for shops; first aerosol studies on danger of infection for musicians lead to minimum social distancing of 1,5m
04.05.2020end of the first lockdown
16.06.2020introduction of the Corona-Warn-App in Germany
27.07.2020introduction of mandatory tests on arrival from risk areas
APR MAY JUN JUL
APRIL 2020streaming boom
CANCELLATION OF ACADEMY WORKSHOP 30. & 31.03.2020
CANCELLATION OF BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIRAUDITIONS 26. & 27.03.2020
CANCELLATION VIA CRUCIS Olivier Latry, BNC & TH14.04. REHEARSAL START IN HH 18.04. BREMEN 19.04. HAMBURG20.04. MÜLHEIM A. D. R. 21.04. FREIBURG 23.04. DORTMUND 24.04. VIENNA
CANCELLATIONS BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIES07.05.2020BOLOGNA
BEETHOVEN SEPTET BNE soloists09.05.2020FONTAINEBLEAU
KUBA – A QUEST Johanna Wokalek Caribe Nostrum10.05.2020 FREIBURG 12.05.2020 HAMBURG
CANCELLATION CASTOR & POLLUX BNC & FestspielorchesterConstantinos CarydisREHEARSAL START: 02.06.2020PERFORMANCES:26./28./30.06. //02.07.2020
CANCELLATION BEETHOVEN CONCERT BNE & TH12.07.2020AIX-EN-PROVENCE
CANCELLATION COSÌ FAN TUTTE OPERA IN AIX-EN-PROVENCEBNE & THREHEARSAL START: 20.06.2020PERFORMANCES:01./03./04./06./08./10./13./15./17.07.2020
25.03.2020the first laws protecting against infection make immigration bans etc. possible
23.03.2020first financial aid package for business and self-employed
2020 / OUTBREAK OF THE PANDEMICSHORTLY AFTER A FANTASTIC BEETHOVEN TOUR THROUGH MANY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, ALL FURTHER CONCERTS AND OPERA PERFORMANCES ARE CANCELLED FOR MONTHS.
01.07.2020freedom of travel in the EU reinstated
27.08.2020 announcement of new testing requirements and entry restrictions from 01.10.2020, but no certainty provided
07.10.2020accommodation ban for private individuals comes into effect
29.09.2020 hotspot strategy for areas with higher incidence rates due to rapidly increasing numbers
15.10.2020 introduction of antigentests in Germany forapplication by doctors
AUG SEP OCT
2020/2021 / HOW IT PROGRESSEDTHE BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLES DEFY THE CRISIS.THEY RESUME THEIR PROJECTS: WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND CREATIVITY.
AIX-EN-PROVENCEBEETHOVEN & MOZARTBNE & THP. 10
CHRISTMAS IN EUROPEKONZERTHAUS DORTMUNDBNC & THP. 14
DIE SCHÖPFUNGKONZERTHAUSDORTMUNDBNCE & THP. 18
DIES IRAEELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURGBNC & P. KOPATCHINSKAJAP. 20
MOZART PASTICCIOLAEISZHALLEHAMBURGBNE & THP. 22
05.01.2021lockdown tightens in Germany
19.01.2021lockdown extension until 14.02.2021
16.12.2020“hard lockdown”comes into effect
27.12.2020 vaccine campaign begins in Europe
RENAISSANCECHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAUBNCE & THP. 24
BRAHMSFESTSPIELHAUSBADEN-BADEN BNCE & THP. 26
B MINOR MASSBNCE & THP. 28
MOZART PASTICCIOMOZARTEUM SALZBURGBNE & THP. 30
02.11.2020 complete closure of cultural institutions and gastronomy in Germany
03.03.2021extension of lockdown until 28.03.2021; consolidation of 5-step plan for reopening
21.06.2021 curfew in France lifted
FILM PRODUCTIONSCHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAUBNC & THP. 32 PRE-REHEARSALS
MOZARTIN HAMBURGBNE & THP. 34
ISRAEL IN EGYPTBADEN-BADEN, HAMBURG & AMSTERDAMBNCE & THP. 36
FESTIVAL D'AIX-EN-PROVENCELE NOZZE DI FIGARO,ELIAS, EDUCATION,SYMPHONY CONCERTBNE & TH / BNCE & D. WARDP. 38
NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL
10.02.2021lockdown extension until 07.03.2021
12.05.2021 new nationwide entry regulations, uniformacross the country for the first time
BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIESSCHLESWIG-HOLSTEINMUSIK FESTIVALBNE & THP. 16
BEETHOVEN SEPTETSCHLESWIG-HOLSTEINMUSIK FESTIVALSOLOISTS OF THE BNEP. 12
28.10.2020resolution to enforce “Lockdown light” in Germany: strict contact restrictions in public life
17.10.2020 accommodation ban for privateindividuals comes into effect in France / nightly curfew from 6 pm
10
JUL/2020
AIX-EN-PROVENCEBEETHOVEN CONCERT STREAM FOR ARTE
VÉRONIQUE GENS SOPRANO STANISLAS DE BARBEYRAC TENOR
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK150 PCR LAB TESTS
THE REUNIONFirst concert without masks and distancing since the outbreak ofthe pandemic in Europe
PREMIEREFOR THE HYGIENE CONCEPT DEVELOPED BY US based on group quarantine and regular PCR tests
THUR, 02.07.2020 / JOURNEY TO AIX ONLY POSSIBLE AFTER NEGATIVE PCR TEST AND FOLLOWING HOME QUARANTINE
FRI, 03.07.2020 / THE VERY FIRST COLLECTIVE CORONA TEST OF ALL PARTICIPANTS IN MARSEILLE
SAT, 04.07.2020 / EMOTIONAL START TO REHEARSALS WITHOUT DISTANCING AFTER TEST RESULTS DISCLOSED
WED, 08.07.2020 / LIVE CONCERT FOR ALL FESTIVAL STAFF, STREAMED ON ARTE, AT THE THÉÂTRE DE L’ARCHEVÊCHÉ
L. V. BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 in C minor op. 67 // between the symphony movements: W. A. MOZART: „Ah! perfido“ op. 65 // „Il mio tesoro“ from: Don Giovanni //„Ah, scostati! … Smanie implacabili“ // „Un aura amorosa“ // „Fra gli amplessi“ from: Così fan tutte
„Feeling the compassion, the passion, and finallyto be together andplay – after a huge, big, hopeless silence.“A. BAKIEVA / VIOLIN
SIGNAL PROJECTThe 5-week opera production Così fan tutti is cancelled in Aix-en-Provence, but ourorchestra concert takes place anyway!
12
AUG/2020
BEETHOVEN SEPTETCHAMBER MUSIC RADIO PRODUCTION NDR KULTURas part of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
BALTHASAR NEUMANN SOLOISTS BAPTISTE LOPEZ VIOLIN
PABLO DE PEDRO VIOLA
ANTOANETA EMANUILOVA VIOLONCELLO
DAVIDE VITTONE DOUBLE BASS
FLORIAN SCHÜLE CLARINET
CARLES CRISTOBAL BASSOON
ULRICH HÜBNER FRENCH HORN
32 PCR LAB TESTS
FOCUSSED COOPERATIONDESPITE THE PANDEMICRehearsals and stay at the Schlosshotel Hugenpoet, followed by concerts
REPLACEMENTfor a chamber music project, originally planned for May 2020 at Château de Fontainebleau
WED, 05.08.2020 / JOURNEY TO ESSEN AND START OF REHEARSALS FRI, 07.08.2020 / CONCERT IN THE HALL OF SCHLOSS HUGENPOET SUN, 09.08.2020 / RADIO PRODUCTION IN ST. JOHANNIS, NIEBLUM ON FÖHR
L. V. BEETHOVEN: Septet for clarinet, bassoon, French horn, violin, viola,violoncello and double bass in E-flat major op. 20H. PURCELL: Fantasia Upon One Note F Z. 745 // In Nomine in G minor Z. 746F. BERWALD: Septet in B-flat major
17.08.2020 “As a society and as individuals we must first assess what is important right now. Schools,daycare centres andtrade take priority!”J. SPAHN
“Music is life itself. That’s why we can’t just put away the flag we fly for culture in order to secure for ourselves the politicians’ standstill flat rate.” T. HENGELBROCK
14
AUG/2020
CD PRODUCTIONCHRISTMASIN EUROPEAT KONZERTHAUS DORTMUND
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR & SOLOISTSTHOMAS HENGELBROCKVEITH KLOETERS & RAFAEL SARS – REPERCUSSIONANDREAS WERNER SOUND ENGINEER
90 PCR LAB TESTS
REPLACEMENTPROJECT for “Via crucis” withconcerts in Bremen, Hamburg, Mülheim, Freiburg, Dortmund,Vienna & “Missa solemnis”in Spain and Germany
WED, 12.08.2020 / TRAVEL TO DORTMUND
13. – 14.08.2020 / REHEARSALS BEGIN WITH SUPPORT FROM COACHES FOR EACH LANGUAGE
15. – 20.08.2020 / REHEARSALS AND RECORDINGS AT KONZERTHAUS DORTMUND
CHRISTMAS IN EUROPEVeni, veni Emmanuel // Les anges dans nos campagnes French // C. SAINT-SAËNS: Tollite hostias // N. GADE: Barn Jesus i en krybbe lå Danish // J. VIÐAR: Það á að gefa börnum brauð Icelandic // K. NYSTEDT: En stjerne klar Norwegian // Guds Son är född Swedish // Północ już była Polish // Mizerna, cicha Polish // Nesem vám noviny Czech // S. RACHMANINOV: Bogoroditse Devo Russian // P. CHESNOKOV: Hymn of the Cherubim Russian // E la don don, Verges Maria Spanish // En Belén tocan a fuego Spanish // Sou Cigana Portuguese // Natal de Elvas Portuguese // El Noi de la Mare Catalan // O suuer maecht Dutch // In the bleak mid-winter English // It came upon English // Dormi, dormi Italian // A. BRUCKNER: Virga Jesse floruit Latin // Es kommt ein Schiff geladen German
“We are living the European thought here, and it is important that we keep going, because that’s our future.”T. HENGELBROCK
HOW DOES EUROPE SOUND?A Europe separated by the pandemic is musically reunited. At Christmas time, music brings hope for the future.
16
AUG/2020
BEETHOVENSCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN MUSIK FESTIVALCAMILLA TILLING SOPRANO STANISLAS DE BARBEYRAC TENOR
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK108 PCR LAB TESTS
SUPPORT OFFREELANCE MUSICIANSthrough large festivals:
SPECIAL CONCERT of the Schleswig-HolsteinMusik Festival
REPLACEMENT PROJECT for the tour “Missa Solemnis” with concerts in Torroella, San Sebastián, Hamburg & Lübeck
FRI, 28.08.2020 / REHEARSALS BEGIN IN NEUMÜNSTER
SUN, 30.08.2020 / TWO CONCERTS AT THE HOLSTENHALLEN
L. V. BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 in C minor op. 67 // between the symphony movements: W. A. MOZART: „Ah! perfido“ op. 65 // „Il mio tesoro“ from: Don Giovanni // „Ah, scostati! … Smanie implacabili“ //„Un aura amorosa“ // „Fra gli amplessi“ from: Così fan tutte
“When it became clear that all events would be cancelled, it was a huge blow, for both freelance musicians and those with permanent positions, because it’s about being able to practice your art!” M. GÖRG / TRUMPET
18
SEP/2020
DIE SCHÖPFUNGKONZERTHAUS DORTMUND OPENING CONCERT OF THE SEASON
ROBIN JOHANNSEN GABRIEL JULIAN PRÉGARDIEN URIEL
FLORIAN BOESCH RAPHAEL
ANDRÉ MORSCH ADAM
KATJA STUBER EVA
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK291 PCR LAB TESTS
PREMIEREThe hygiene concept we developed and put to the test enabled the impossible: around 100 people making music without masks and distancing on stage.
STAND-IN PROJECT for an ensemble who weren't able to play at the season’s opening concertin the Konzerthaus Dortmund.
FRI, 29.08.2020 / NOTIFICATION OF PERMISSION FROM THE DORTMUND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT CONCERT PLANS
MON, 31.08.2020 / MUSICIANS WITH A NEGATIVE PCR TEST TRAVEL TO DORTMUND / SECOND PCR TESTING
TUE, 01.09.2020 / PERMISSION TO PERFORM CONCERT AFTER 100% NEGATIVE TESTS: UNLEASHED EMOTIONS OF ALL INVOLVED
THUR, 03.09.2020 / CONCERT AT KONZERTHAUS DORTMUND
J. HAYDNDie Schöpfung Hob. XXI:2
“We shouldn’t forget that with The Creation, the great humanist Joseph Haydnsaid to people, DESPITE IT ALL.”T. HENGELBROCK
DESPITE IT ALL!#CULTURECONTINUES
#LIVINGEUROPE
20
OCT/2020
DIES IRAEELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG STAGED CONCERT
PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA VIOLIN & DIRECTION MEESUN HONG COLEMAN VIOLIN
WILLIAM COLEMAN VIOLA THOMAS KAUFMANN VIOLONCELLO MARIA KRYKOV DOUBLE BASS
ANTHONY ROMANIUK PIANO & HARPSICHORD ENSEMBLE RESONANZ BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIRLANI TRAN-DUC VISUAL DESIGN
40 PCR LAB TESTS
STAND-IN PROJECT Due to the hygiene concept, the vocalists of the Balthasar-Neumann-Choir can perform.
TUE, 29.09.2020 / TRAVEL TO HAMBURG
WED, 30.09.2020 / REHEARSALS START AT THE ELBPHILHARMONIE
THUR, 01.10.2020 / CONCERTS AT THE ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG
G. SCELSI: Okanagon for harp, double bass and tam-tamH. I. F. BIBER: Battalia à 10G. CRUMB: Black Angels for Electric Quartet (excerpts)PATKOP: Hoax / for violin and stringsA. LOTTI: Crucifixus à 10 //Byzantine chant on Psalm 140, arranged by P. KopatchinskayaJ. DOWLAND: Lachrimae antiquae novaeG. USTWOLSKAJA: Composition II “Dies irae“
22
OCT/2020
MOZART PASTICCIOLAEISZHALLE HAMBURGKATHARINA KONRADI SOPRANO
JONATHAN ABERNETHY TENOR
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK150 PCR LAB TESTS
HAMBURG!Starting the season amid the pandemic with full orchestra on stage for our Hamburg friends, for our Hamburg audience.
THUR, 01.10.2020 / TRAVEL AND START OF REHEARSALS AT THE MOZARTSÄLE IN HAMBURG
MON, 05.10.2020 / 2 CONCERTS AT THE LAEISZHALLE IN HAMBURG05. – 06.10.2020 / OFFICE TABLE FOOTBALL PARTY IN GROUP QUARANTINE
W. A. MOZART: Symphony No. 1 in E-flat KV 16 // „Ah! perfido“ op. 65 //„Il mio tesoro“ from: Don Giovanni // „Ah, scostati! … Smanie implacabili“ //„Un aura amorosa“ // „Fra gli amplessi“ from: Così fan tutte //Symphony No. 41 in C KV 551 “Jupiter”
24
OCT/2020
RENAISSANCECHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAUAMIRA CASAR RECITATION
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR & SOLOISTS BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK40 PCR LAB TESTS
OPENING CONCERT of the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble’s artistic residency under the patronage of the French state president Emmanuel Macron
MON, 12.10.2020 / REHEARSAL START AT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
SAT, 17.10.2020 / CONCERT 1 AT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU, SALLE DE BAL
SUN, 18.10.2020 / CONCERT 2 & 3 AT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU, SALLE DE BAL
C. MONTEVERDI: Hor che'l ciel // Lamento della Ninfa // Vieni, Immeneo … Rosa del ciel //C. DE SERMISY: Tant que vivray // G. COSTELEY: Voici la saison plaisante // O. DI LASSO:Une jeune moine // P. GUEDRON: Çà, donnons à tous nos sens // T. MERULA: Ciaconna //J. DE CASTRO: Je suis tellement langoureux // J. CHARDAVOINE: Mignonne, allons voir sila rose // C. GOUDIMEL: Hymne sur la mort de Marguerite de Navarre // D. CASTELLO:Sonata seconda // TEXTS by Ronsard, Margarete de Navarra and Montaigne
“In these times, you need to keep finding inspiration that reminds you of the good times.”A. KÜPPERS / HARPSICHORD
& ORGAN
26
OCT/2020
BRAHMSFESTSPIELHAUSBADEN-BADEN STREAMING FOR ARTE
KATHARINA KONRADI SOPRANO
MATTHIAS GOERNE BARITONE
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIRBALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK393 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS524 PCR LAB TESTS
FULL WORK 130 musicians from 20 countries play without distancing and masks thanks to the receipt of special permission based on the hygiene concept!
SAT, 24.10.2020 / TRAVEL TO BADEN-BADENFRI, 30.10.2020 / CONCERT BRAHMS REQUIEM AT THE FESTSPIELHAUS BADEN-BADEN
SAT, 31.10.2020 / CONCERT 1: STRAUSS & BRAHMS / CONCERT 2: BRAHMS REQUIEMSUN, 01.11.2020 / CONCERT STRAUSS & BRAHMS
J. BRAHMSEin deutsches Requiem op. 45 Symphony No. 3 op. 90
J. STRAUSS„Seid umschlungen, Millionen“, Waltz op. 443„Draußen in Sievering”, No. 9 from: „Die Tänzerin Fanny Elßler” „Sei mir gegrüßt, mein liebes Nest” from: „Wiener Blut”
LAST TONESOn the day after the concert, “lockdown light” comes into effect in Germany. All concert venues are closed until further notice.
DEC/2020
B MINOR MASS STREAMING ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG CONCERTS IN BASEL
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR & SOLOISTS BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK240 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS480 PCR LAB TESTS
MAXIMUM RANGE The Elbphilharmonie stream is viewed over 100,000 times.
MINI AUDIENCEJust 15 external people may join the audienceat Casino Basel.
MON, 30.11.2020 / TRAVEL TO HAMBURG
TUE, 01.12.2020 / REHEARSALS BEGIN AT HALLE 424
SAT, 04.12. & SUN, 05.12.2020 / STREAMING PRODUCTION AT THE ELBPHILHARMONIE
MON, 07.12.2020 / CHARTER FLIGHT TO BASEL / 2 CONCERTS AT CASINO BASELTUE, 08.12.2020 / 3 CONCERTS AT CASINO BASEL
J. S. BACHMissa in B minor BWV 232
mpfstart in D /Europa“The most intense project with the BNC was the B minor Mass. It was a project which I walked away from with satisfaction and a feeling of bliss. It just did me good!” J. PILGRAM / TENOR
30
JAN/2021
MOZART PASTICCIOMOZARTWOCHE SALZBURG STREAMING FOR FIDELIO & ORF Ö1
KATHARINA KONRADI SOPRANO BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK110 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS165 PCR LAB TESTS
MUSIC, COMPANIONSHIP AND JOY IN HARD LOCKDOWNDespite closures and bans, the Balthasar Neumann Ensemble makes music and celebrates togetherin group quarantine.
TUE, 19.01.2021 / TRAVEL TO SALZBURG
WED, 20.01.2021 / REHEARSAL START AT THE SCHÜTTKASTEN
FRI, 22.01.2021 / CONCERT RECORDING AT MOZARTEUM SALZBURG
W. A. MOZARTSymphony No. 1 in E-flat KV 16 „Giunse alfin il momento – Deh vieni non tardar“ from: Le nozze di Figaro KV 492„Ach, ich fühl’s“ from: Die Zauberflöte„Batti, batti, mio bel Masetto“ from: Don GiovanniSymphony No. 41 in C KV 551 “Jupiter”
„It's possible to play!We just need to go all in on what we do believe. Fighting for our right to perform.“D. M. ZECHARIES / DOUBLE BASS
"If we don’t try to really live completely in these times—including experiencing culture, community, and joy—then we will not survive this pandemic with our health intact." C. SCHONK
32
FEB/2021
TANGUY DE WILLIENCOURT PIANO BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR & SOLOISTS BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLETHOMAS HENGELBROCK
FILM TEAM: JONAS BECKMANN,MIRO WIDMER, MORITZ WILLENEGGER, JONATHAN HUG, LEONARD ROTTOCKSOUND ENGINEER: MAX MOLLING195 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS / 260 PCR LAB TESTS
FILMING at Château de Fontainebleau. Concerts are banned, but filming is allowed.
FILM PRODUCTIONAT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
SAT, 30.01.2021 / TRAVEL TO FONTAINEBLEAU
MON, 01.02.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN AT THÉÂTRE MUNICIPAL
WED, 03.02.2021 / SOUND RECORDING AND BLOCKING REHEARSAL FRI, 05. – SUN, 07.02.2021 / FILMING AT CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
E. ELGAR: Lux aeterna // E. GRIEG: O Morgenstunde // S. RACHMANINOV:Bogoroditse devo // H. WOLF: Der Feuerreiter // G. FAURÉ: Cantique de Jean Racine //L. MARENZIO: O mille volte // C. MONTEVERDI: Lamento della Ninfa // C. GOUDIMEL: Hymne sur la mort de Marguerite de Navarre // C. DE SERMISY: Tant que vivray //G. COSTELEY: Voici la saison plaisante // J. CHARDAVOINE: Mignonne, allons voir si la rose
“It’s very important that we have good moments, even in these times. That’s why we have invited you here.” T. HENGELBROCK TO THE CHOIR BEFORE THE FIRST REHEARSAL
34
MAR/2021
PRE-REHEARSALSMOZART IN HAMBURG“LET’S WORK TOGETHER!”
KATJA STUBER SOPRANO DANIEL OCHOA BARITONE
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK129 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS129 PCR LAB TESTS
REHEARSING: WHY?“For an ensemble culture it’s of the utmost importance that these project retreats continue to happen.”M. SCHMIDT-CASDORFF / FLUTE
W. A. MOZARTLe nozze di Figaro (excerpts)Symphony No. 39 KV 543
SUN, 28.03.2021 / TRAVEL TO HAMBURG
MON, 29.03.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN AT HALLE 424
WED, 31.03.2021 / REHEARSAL WITH OUR PATRONS / “STAFF ASSEMBLY”
36
MAY/2021
BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR & SOLOISTS BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK480 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS480 PCR LAB TESTS
SMARTLY SPLIT It is permitted to rehearse for up to 5 days in one federal state. So, we begin in Baden-Baden and add on a new 5-day project in Hamburg.
ISRAEL IN EGYPT& DIDO AND AENEASREHEARSALS IN BADEN-BADENELBPHILHARMONIE STREAM FOR ARTECONCERTGEBOUW STREAM FOR NPO RADIO 4
CONCERT CANCELLATIONS for “Israel in Egypt“: Concerts in Fontainebleau, Freiburg, Hamburg, Bremen, Lyon
This time, the entry restrictions are also fulfilled, since mandatory quarantine does not apply when urgent professional reasons are provided.
TUE, 04.05.2021 / TRAVEL TO BADEN-BADEN
WED, 05.05.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN AT FESTSPIELHAUS BADEN-BADEN
THUR, 06.05.2021 / PATRONS’ VISIT TO REHEARSALS (DIDO & AENEAS)
SUN, 09.05.2021 / TRAVEL TO HAMBURGMON, 10.05.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN IN HAMBURGTUE, 11.05.2021 / FOUNDING MEETING OF THE BALTHASAR NEUMANN FOUNDATION / VISIT TO REHEARSALSTHUR, 13.05.2021 / STREAM RECORDING AT THE ELBPHILHARMONIE (ISRAEL IN EGYPT)
FRI, 14.05.2021 / TRAVEL TO AMSTERDAMSAT, 15.05.2021 / RADIO LIVE BROADCAST AT CONCERTGEBOUW (ISRAEL IN EGYPT)
G. F. HÄNDEL: Israel in Egypt H. PURCELL: Dido and Aeneas
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JUN/2021
AIX-EN-PROVENCELE NOZZE DI FIGARORADIO BROADCAST RADIO FRANCESTREAM FOR ARTE
LOTTE DE BEER DIRECTION
GYULA ORENDT COUNT / JACQUELYN WAGNER COUNTESS /
JULIE FUCHS SUSANNA / ANDRÈ SCHUEN FIGARO / LEA DESANDRE CHERUBINO / MAURIZIO MURARO BARTOLO
CHŒUR DU CNRR DE MARSEILLE BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK255 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS663 PCR LAB TESTS
LIVE CONCERTSWhat a moment, hearing the applause at the Thêatre de l’Archêveché, filled to the last seat! A sound almost forgotten by all musicians.
THUR, 16.06.2021 / TRAVEL TO AIX-EN-PROVENCEFRI, 17.06.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN IN VENELLES
WED, 30.06.2021 / PREMIERE AT THE THÉÂTRE DE L'ARCHEVÊCHÉFURTHER PERFORMANCES:02./05./07./09./12./14./16. JULY 2021 AT THE THÉÂTRE DE L’ARCHEVÊCHÉ
W. A. MOZARTLe nozze di Figaro KV 492
“Playing through the year was like sending a message: We will play anyway, and culture continues! It's like a tattoo: you got it done, and you never get rid of it.“D. M. ZECHARIES / DOUBLE BASS
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MASTERCLASS: RITA CASTRO BLANCO,STÉPHANIE CHILDRESS,ALIZÉ LÉHON FEMALE CONDUCTORS
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK
JUL/ 2021
RESIDENCY AT THE AIX-EN-PROVENCE FESTIVALELIAS, MASTERCLASS & SYMPHONY CONCERT
A PRESENT FOR THE CHOIRThe orchestra has a resi-dency in Aix, but the choir shouldn't be missing! This is made possible with help from patrons – the Balthasar Neumann Choir gives its festival debut in Aix!
MON, 28.06.2021 / BALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIR TRAVEL TO AIX
TUE, 29.06.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN WITH DETLEF BRATSCHKE IN VENELLES
FRI, 02.07.2021 / REHEARSALS BEGIN WITH DUNCAN WARD
SUN, 04.07.2021 / CONCERT ELIAS AT THE CONSERVATOIRE DARIUS MILHAUD
TUE, 06.07.2021 / MASTERCLASS WITH 3 FEMALE CONDUCTORS AT THE MAYNIER D'OPPÈDE
SAT, 17.07.2021 / SYMPHONY CONCERT AT THE GRAND THÉÂTRE DE PROVENCE
F. MENDELSSOHN: Elias op. 70
MASTERCLASS: W. A. MOZART: excerpts from: Le nozze di Figaro KV 492
SINFONIEKONZERT: W. A. MOZART: Symphony No. 39 KV 543 //„Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben“ from: Zaide KV 344 // „Et incarnatus est“from: Great Mass in C minor KV 427 // „Alleluja“ from: Exsultate, Jubilate KV 165 // Symphony No. 41 in C KV 551 “Jupiter”
RESIDENCY ACTIVITIESAfter many concerts, opera productions and educational activities, a grand final concert concludes the residency.
ELIAS:SOLOISTS OF THE ACADÉMIE DU FESTIVAL D’AIXBALTHASAR NEUMANN CHOIRBALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLEDUNCAN WARD159 ROCHE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS / 212 PCR LAB TESTS
SYMPHONY CONCERT: ALEXANDRA FLOOD SOPRANO
BALTHASAR NEUMANN ENSEMBLE THOMAS HENGELBROCK
HELPERS & HEROESOUR THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT MADE THIS YEAR POSSIBLE
Is it not it our souls which define us? Is it not our souls which we must care for, so that our bodies remain strong? Is it not our souls and spirits which will determine how we can all coexist in the future? And are not art and culture food for the soul? Our “despite it all” projects, achieved through group quarantines and daily testing, allowed us to make music together without masks and without social distancing — they allowed us to come together regularly and experience our community. Our monthly projects were like holidays from the pandemic. We recharged our batteries with friendship and music in order to be able to get though difficult times with our health intact. I believe we can say that, despite the pandemic, we grew closer to one another, and are stronger and healthier than ever before.
Thank you!
The 2020/2021 season and all of the projects which we were able to make a reality “despite it all” would not have been possible without the enourmous commitment and the generous support of many individuals! Together we refused to let our music fall silent, and we were able to help our freelance musicians both financially and artistically.This small booklet shows some of what we were able to achieve and experience despite this year’s setbacks. The mandatory isolation was difficult for many people — and the ban on pursuing one’s career and practicing one’s art was a severe psychological blow for all musicians. We were not, and still aren’t, as has often been claimed, “all in the same boat” during the pandemic. Everyone was forced out into a stormy sea, but some in rowboats and some in luxurious yachts. However, together with our supporters, we of the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles defied the storm and cared for the physical and mental health of our musicians, members, and friends.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to:the Balthasar-Neumann-Ensemble e.V. office team, who organized our projects with an incredible commitment and energy. Growing hopelessness and desperation was countered with joy and passionfor music and for togetherness. The very small team worked together to optimize its powers and make the impossible possible. A huge thanks to: Daniela Briem, Johanna Heesch, Lea Jakob,Katrin Kierig and Nora Paulus!
Our patrons and friends. As ensembles made up of freelance musicians from across Europe, and working internationally without any fixed contracts, there were no financial assistance programs that applied to us in the first nine months of the pandemic. All of our applications were rejected on formal grounds, and our requests that our freelance musicians be reimbursed for cancelled projects were supported by neither state nor federal governments. We were consistently told that there was no legal obligation to assist us.
FINALLY
A WORD OF THANKS
FROM CHRISTINA SCHONK
“Art and culture contribute enormously to social cohesion. Being able to dive into this world that enriches us so greatly alongside our daily lives must be supported – it must be sustained.”
CLAUS-G. BUDELMANN
We have learned that in Germany only the letter of the law counts, rather than any moral obligation. Only our loyal patrons and supporters could be relied upon for their acts of solidarity and humanity, and for their immediate help. We cannot thank you enough. You helped us to create assistance funds ensuring that our musicians, guests, and soloists could be reimbursed for cancelled projects, that replacement projects could be financed (often without any financial contribution from presenters), and that our musicians could be paid monthly emergency aid starting in May 2020. You don’t know what this help meant to each and every one of our musicians! Your financial support was an enourmous help, a sign of your appreciation for our work, and an act of solidarity with artists everywhere.
A further hearty thanksgoes, last but not least, to our heroes in the medical field: We would like to thank Prof. Stefan Willich of the Charité Hospital in Berlin for all of his help and advice. The creation and development of our special health and safety protocol would have been impossible without him, and in addition, he constantly provided answers to our countless coronavirus-related questions. He tirelessly explained background information and current scientific understanding, helping us to face the virus without undue fear. Thanks to him we could continuously assess and estimate the risks involved in our projects and can proudly say: we made music without masks and without social distancing, musicians from twenty nations came together for projects during strict lockdowns, and we achieved all this without a single incident of infection between participants. At no point did we expose our musicians, our support staff, or all of our families at home to any risk of becoming sick. Our protocol has proved successful and was put to the test for over a year. Stephan: on behalf of everyone from the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles, you have our heartfelt gratitude!
Jens Heidrich, along with his entire team at the Dr. Jens Heidrich & Kollegen Laboratory in Hamburg, is also one of our heroes. Throughout the whole season they provided us with PCR tests freeof charge – without this crucial contribution we would never havebeen able to afford our unbelievably high testing costs. There are many other reasons why Dr. Heidrich and his colleagues are our heroes: conversations and advice, unwavering optimism, a wonderful team who analysed samples at all hours of the night and at the shortest notice, colleagues who prioritized our PCR tests, a mobile test kit and system specially developed for us which we used to enter our musicians’ data directly into the laboratory system, and much, much more. Jens, you also deserve huge thanks – without you the last year would have been impossible.
We will never forget you and what you made possible for us this year.
We thank:Annegret and Claus-G. BudelmannChrista and Albert BüllSabine and Klaus EngelBruni and Claus HeinemannIngeborg and Bernd KahnertInge and Werner LehmannKaren and Stefan MüllerEdgar E. NordmannChristiane and Ernst-Herbert PfleidererChristiane and Lutz PetersAnnette and Wolf RömmigNicola and Michael SanderMarlis and Horst Weitzmann
… and many more who do not wishto be named here.
A further thanks goes to the following institutions, authorities, and foundations who also supported us this year through basis funding, project subsidies, structural help, and donations:
POOLHAUS BLANKENESESTIFTUNG
BALTHASAR NEUMANNFOUNDATIONThe Balthasar Neumann Foundation was founded at the start of 2021 as a long-term partner and supporter of the Balthasar Neumann Ensembles. The coronavirus pandemic put financing of freelance ensembles to an extreme test, but through the generous help of our patrons, the foundation could finally be established in winter 2020/21.The foundation particularly promotes future international culture projects of orchestral and choral music by the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Ensemble e.V., as well as proposals to be realised by them. BÜLL FAMILY
STIFTUNGWALDEMAR KOCH STIFTUNG BREMEN
MARION MEYENBURG STIFTUNG
MARTHA KEMPTERSTIFTUNG
We also thank the concert halls and event organisers, particularly the Konzerthaus Dortmund, the Neumarkter Konzertfreunden and HamburgMusik, who passed on donations for tickets to us and the freelance musicians. We would also like to thank the artistic director and the team at the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden for their diverse support.
Board of DirectorsThomas Hengelbrock Christina Schonk Board of TrusteesClaus-G. BudelmannDr. Klaus EngelStefan MüllerDr. Lutz PetersDr. Sven Prüfer
PHOTOS
Aix Stream: Balthasar Neumann Ensemble – Conductor Thomas Hengelbrock – Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2020 © Vincent Beaume (Konzertfotos) / © Björn Kadenbach (Christoph Dangel & Danka Nikolic)
Beethoven Septet: © Florian Schüle / © Klaus Engel (group photo stairs)
Die Schöpfung: © Björn Woll
Dies Irae: © Jann Wilken (stage photos) / © Mirko Ludwig
Renaissance: © Château de Fontainebleau (concert photos)
Brahms: © Andrea Kremper (concert photos from audience's perspective)
B minor mass: © Daniel Dittus (control room) / © Jonathan Kierig (stage& artist photos Elbphilharmonie)
Mozart Pasticcio: © Mozartwoche Salzburg (concert photos)
Film Fontainebleau: © Florian Schmitt (Tobias Müller-Kopp, Carsten Krüger, Joachim Höchbauer)
Israel in Egypt: © Maxim Schulz HamburgMusik (concert Elbphilharmonie)
Figaro: Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart – Conductor Thomas Hengelbrock – Stage director Lotte de Beer – Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2021 © Jean-Louis Fernandez Residency in Aix: Balthasar Neumann Ensemble Concert – Final concert of the Académie’s vocal residency – Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2021 © Patrick Gherdoussi
All further photos:© Büro für internationale Kulturprojekte (BIK) / Balthasar-Neumann-Chor & -Ensemble e.V.
CONTACT
Büro für internationale Kulturprojekte GmbH (BIK) Management Thomas Hengelbrock,Balthasar Neumann Choir & Balthasar Neumann Ensemble
Wallstraße 12, 79098 Freiburg+49 761 29 62 16 / [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY
Büro für internationale Kulturprojekte GmbH (BIK) Executive Director: Christina Schonk
Edited by: Katrin KierigLayout & Setting: Birgit Fesenmayr Translation: Sonia McCall-Labelle, Margaret Hunter
balthasar-neumann.com thomas-hengelbrock.comkulturprojekte.com
IMPRESSUM
