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Symphonic premiere of Ethel Merhaut’s Süß & Bitter

October 3, 2024
Ethel Merhaut & Band invite audiences to rediscover the music of the 1920s and 30s through the symphonic arrangements of Rezsö Ott, which bring new depth and resonance to this timeless repertoire.
With foxtrot, tango, and waltz shaping the rhythm of the era, the melodies captivate immediately, while the lyrics, filled with wit and subtle innuendos, reveal the complexity of the time.

Ethel Merhaut's program thoughtfully combines songs from Vienna and Berlin, where the elegance of operetta meets the vibrancy of cabaret, popular hits, and the innovative spirit of early mass media. The inclusion of Yiddish songs—an inseparable part of this era—adds yet another dimension of authenticity to this selection.
At the heart of Süß & Bitter are vivid portrayals of women navigating a world of romantic longing, self-discovery, and societal expectations. With her magnetic stage presence and expressive voice, Ethel Merhaut brings these timeless stories to life, offering audiences a fresh perspective on an era that continues to captivate our imagination.

David Orlowsky’s Shadow Dancer

August 27, 2024
This August, David Orlowsky’s first clarinet concerto, Shadow Dancer, celebrated its world premiere at the Elbphilharmonie – a highlight of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Together with Ensemble Reflektor, conducted by Katharina Wincor, Orlowsky created an unforgettable musical experience that brought the audience to its feet with minutes of standing ovations.

Everything David Orlowsky is known for is elevated to a symphonic level in Shadow Dancer: entrancing melodies, ethereal sounds, and driving rhythms create a soundscape that invites you to confront your own shadow – a concert experience that deeply moves its audience.

Inspired by Scents

August 23, 2024
David Orlowsky's new album Petrichor is inspired by scents that evoke special emotions. He describes how smells and sounds affect him in similar ways and how certain scents, like the smell of rain on dry ground, inspire him to create new musical compositions. Together with Daniel Stelter on guitar and Tommy Baldu on drums, he brings to life eleven different scents, all of which evoke positive associations.

After over 20 years with the David Orlowsky Trio, the star clarinetist has embarked on a new artistic path with Petrichor, showcasing his versatility and depth as a musician. Together with renowned musicians Daniel Stelter and Tommy Baldu, he masterfully combines complex techniques with remarkable emotional intensity, drawing listeners into a world full of vivid memories and captivating impressions.

Viva la Vida!
A Symphonic Party with Los Pitutos

July 3, 2024
The Chilean-Colombian band Los Pitutos joined forces with the Munich Philharmonic under Paolo Bortolameolli for the premiere of their symphonic pops program, Viva la Vida! Featuring original songs from their debut album Corazón and offering a preview of their upcoming album, the project seamlessly blends popular and classical music traditions.

Viva la Vida! is an extraordinary symphonic pops program that showcases the full potential of a symphonic ensemble. Its intricate and demanding arrangements were crafted by a team of composers led by Victor Ardelean, widely recognized for his contributions to film music.

Los Pitutos’ music evokes the nostalgic spirit of the 1960s and 70s, moving effortlessly from heartfelt romantic Boleros to the infectious rhythms of Cumbias – rhythms so irresistible that even the audience can’t stay seated for long.

Christoph-Mathias Mueller Premieres Detlev Glanert's New Percussion Concerto

May 24, 2024
Christoph-Mathias Mueller returns to the Arctic Philharmonic to conduct the world premiere of Detlev Glanert’s captivating new percussion concerto. Composed for the renowned percussionist Christoph Sietzen, this exciting work is a co-commission by the Arctic Philharmonic, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony, and the Basque National Orchestra.

Christoph-Mathias Mueller remarked that this new concerto has all the makings of a masterpiece and will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the percussion repertoire.

Christoph-Mathias Mueller Returns to the Gewandhaus Orchestra

January 25, 2024
Christoph-Mathias Mueller will once again conduct the Gewandhaus Orchestra on January 27, this time for the premiere of the ballet "Peter I. Tchaikovsky."

Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto's newly arranged piece for Leipziger Ballet carries biographical and associative aspects.

The work serves as a tribute to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a composer who profoundly influenced and shaped classical ballet with his compositions. The myth surrounding his music remains unbroken to this day.

Under the musical direction of Christoph-Mathias Mueller, Cayetano Soto paints a captivating portrait of a man who could not live his life as he desired. In "Peter I. Tchaikovsky," the focus shifts from the glamorous moments of a biography to explore inner conflicts, courage, and genius.

The Premiere will be followed by 6 performances until June 2024.

November 30, 2023
Without a doubt, Trio Orelon is one of the most exciting chamber music ensembles to emerge in recent years.

In the last two years alone, Trio Orelon has garnered numerous national and international prizes. These include the first prize and audience prize at the ARD International Music Competition, the first prize and the special prize for the best interpretation of the commissioned work at the "International Chamber Music Competition" in Melbourne, and the first prize and the special prize for the best performance of the commissioned work at the "Schubert und die Musik der Moderne" competition in Graz.

The trio comprises violinist Judith Stapf, cellist Arnau Rovira and pianist Marco Sanna, who came together at the music universities in Cologne and Berlin. The piano trio formation provides them with the utmost musical and human harmony. In the trio, the three approach the works of their constellation with curiosity and dynamism, combining it with an irrepressible energy and a desire for differentiated expression.

BT Arts is very pleased to announce this exciting collaboration!

David Orlowsky Has a New Band!

October 10, 2023
And what a band it is!
His new colleagues need no introduction -- Daniel Stelter, Germany's most versatile and sought-after guitarist, and the legendary drummer and producer Tommy Baldu form a true all-star ensemble together with Orlowsky.

This wasn't planned as such.
The three randomly crossed paths backstage at a festival and immediately hit it off, deciding on the spot to embark on a small concert tour together.

This tour laid the foundation for the Tabula Rasa program. It became clear quickly that with this lineup they had stumbled upon something special. Almost every soundcheck led to a new song idea and the musicians could not get enough of this musical chemistry. Each of them a maverick on their respective instruments, together they merge into something unprecedented.

Eileen receives The OPUS KLASSIK Award for Music Video of the Year

October 3, 2023
"We were sitting in my living room in Berlin and had actually just taken a break. Suddenly, David started playing these chords... The air began to shimmer, and I joined in. That's how our first joint piece was born" says David Orlowsky.
The piece was later named after the star of its music video, the then 107-year-old dancer and choreographer Eileen Kramer.

David Bergmüller's Debut Solo-Album Rhétorique du Silence is out!

August 18, 2023
Silence can reveal a lot to us. In music, the rest, the pause, the apparent nothingness, has always served as a means of structure, contrast, and introspection. Silence does not mean stillness.

Lute music is particularly associated with this idea. The Florentine Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino spoke of music »decorating the silence«. Denis Gaultier, a French composer and lutenist of the 17th century, heard a »language of the gods«. David Bergmüller's inaugural solo album, »Rhétorique du Silence« pays homage to that era presenting a recital of lute compositions by French masters.

Eric Jacobsen & The Knights on Tour

October 21, 2022
Eric Jacobsen & The Knights take their Kreutzer Project to Germany and Denmark for an 11-stop tour from October 24th to November 6th, featuring violinist Ray Chen. The Kreutzer Project weaves together Knightsian reimaginings of the “Kreutzer” Sonatas of Beethoven and Leos Janáček with contemporary responses by Colin Jacobsen and Anna Clyne, and arrangements drawn from Janáček’s field recordings of folk songs.

Eileen at New York’s
Dance on Camera Festival

February 3, 2022
The new music video of David Orlowsky & David Bergmüller “Eileen” will be featured at New York’s Dance on Camera Festival. You can read about this beautiful collaboration between legendary dancer Eileen Kramer and the Duo Orlowsky & Bergmüller in the Washington Post!

“There are similarly provocative meditations on fundamental human values in several of the Dance on Camera shorts. “Eileen,” another Australian submission, is a four-minute stunner. It stars 107-year-old modern dancer Eileen Kramer, whom press materials describe as “possibly the oldest performer and choreographer working today.” Kramer is one of the most beguiling dancers you could ever hope to see. Yet this lingering view of her is bigger — much bigger — than a dance experience.” Sarah L. Kaufman

Ethel Merhaut joins the roster of BT Arts!

December 14, 2021
Singer Ethel Merhaut is an integral part of the young Viennese music scene and is no longer an insider tip on an international level either. With a lot of charm and musical devotion she dusts off chansons, foxtrots, film music and tangos of the 1920s and 30s.

Ethel Merhaut finds her very personal approach to this zeitgeist. The young Viennese effortlessly takes the transitions between light-footed parlando, tenoral lasciviousness and the supple cantilenas of her attractive soprano voice.

Duo Aliada released their second album East West on Hänssler Classic

February 26, 2021
The album is a musical journey exploring the musical landscapes of Europe and the Americas taking them back to their eastern European roots. The CD was already very well received by the press.

“This is not show music-making, but honestly felt, unpretentious music-making at the highest level.” Pizzicato Magazine, February 2021

Read the full review here

Lutenist David Bergmüller Joins the
BT Arts Family!

February 11, 2021
Acknowledged for his virtuosic and intoxicating playing by ensembles and audiences worldwide, David Bergmüller is regarded as an adventurous and exciting lutenist who is committed to creating a new legacy for the instrument. His approach is to bridge the gap between historically informed, inspired practice and the modern.

Having received many accolades over the span of his career, he was the first lute player to win the Franz Aumann Prize at the HIF Biber Early Music Competition. His ensemble sferraina was nominated for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik in the category “Grenzgänger” (breaking boundaries).

October 12, 2020
Christoph-Mathias Mueller receives an OPUS KLASSIK Award for the world premiere recording of orchestral works by the Russian-Jewish composer Alexander Veprik (1899-1958) with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This recording furthers Mueller’s commitment to rediscovering Veprik’s music following on from the release of a book he co-authored, published in March 2020 titled: From the Gewandhaus to the Gulag: Symphonic Music by Alexander Veprik.

Los Pitutos Rocked Bilkent Concert Hall

February 15, 2020
Los Pitutos made their Turkish debut at Valentine's Day Concerts in two concerts with the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra. The sold-out performances of the band’s original songs arranged for orchestra by Andrés Soto thrilled and delighted the audiences in Ankara.

Jonny!

February 14, 2020
Asya Fateyeva recorded a new album entitled Jonny which was released on Berlin Classics in February 2020. The CD offers an enthralling programme that takes the listener back to the glory days of the Saxophone: the 1920s. A time where the saxophone was the voice of salon music and an equal partner to other classical instruments in chamber ensembles. It takes its name from Ernst Krenek's period and jazz opera Jonny spielt auf and includes works by Krenek himself, Adolf Busch, Anton Webern, Erwin Schulhoff, Kurt Weill and Paul Hindemith.

Jonny is available to purchase from Berlin Classics, Amazon and available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

Georg Friedrich Haas' "Klangwerkkonzert"

November 29, 2019
Christoph Sietzen premiered Georg Friedrich Haas' new concerto "Klangwerkkonzert" for multi-percussion and orchestra with the Luxembourg Philharmonic conducted by Ilan Volkov. For this piece Sietzen built a "sound-wall" consisting of metal objects mostly gathered from junkyards. This process was featured in a documentary on Germanys national TV. You can you watch it here:

New York Gypsy All-Stars at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival

August 8, 2019
The New York Gypsy All-Stars made their debut at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in 3 sold-out concerts in Lübeck, Flensburg and Hamburg. A total of 3500 people saw their performances which were resoundingly praised by the critics.

„The New York Gypsy All-Stars played what is sure to be the most unusual concert in Hangar 7 at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.” Hamburger Abendblatt

„..they allow each other space to shine as soloists; an impressive example of the co-existence of cultures and musical styles. The audience was delighted and by the end were on their feet..” Lübecker Nachrichten

„The audience was promised ’dynamic, highly virtuoso Gypsy music’ and this promise was kept. From the very beginning of their journey the All-Stars took their audience along with them.” HL-Live

David Orlowsky Trio’s Farewell Tour

July 18, 2019
The David Orlowsky Trio culminates their 20+ years of collaboration and worldwide touring with a farewell tour leading up to their final concerts in August 2019, taking place at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Particular highlights of the upcoming summer include the trio's debuts at the Dresdner Musikfestspiele and Istanbul Music Festival.

The Trio released their last album "One Last Night" recorded live at the Elbphilharmonie and released by their long-time record label Sony.

June 1, 2019
Born in 1990, Asya has been called “a sensation for the music world” by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and was awarded “Best Newcomer” by the ECHO Klassik in 2016. Her list of prizes and accolades is a long one, including being the first woman to ever reach the finals of the prestigious Adolphe Sax International Competition in Belgium (2014), the German Music Competition (2012), the ZEIT Foundation’s Gerd Bucerius Scholarship an award from the Orpheum Foundation and in 2015, the Berenberg Culture Award.

Recent and upcoming highlights include the Gewandhaus in Leipzig together with the MDR Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kristjan Järvi, in the Berliner Philharmonie, the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg,  the Lucerne Festival, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev in the Musikverein Vienna, with the Tchaikovsky Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Ukrainian National Philharmonic and the Giuseppe Verdi Symphony Orchestra of Milan. She has also performed with orchestras from Bochum, Bonn, Frankfurt an der Oder and Kassel.

Los Pitutos in Australia

May 20, 2019
Los Pitutos goes down under for a mini-tour in Australia, performing at the Canberra International Music Festival and at the Riverside Theatre Parramatta in Sydney.

Their nostalgic music continues to draw in audiences of all ages across all continents, and the Far East is no exception!

Christoph Sietzen & Bogdan Bacanu at Barbican Centre

May 5, 2019
Christoph Sietzen and Bogdan Bacanu perform Bach's Harpsichord Concerti with the acclaimed baroque ensemble, the Academy of Ancient Music. Featured at the Barbican Centre's Sound Unbound Festival, the duo performs on 18 & 19 May 2019.

Christoph Sietzen returns to the Philharmonie Luxembourg

April 20, 2019
Christoph Sietzen returns to the Philharmonie Luxembourg on 29 April to perform Avner Dorman's Frozen in Time with the Solistes Européens conducted by Christoph König. This marks one of many different projects Christoph has done over the various seasons at the Philharmonie Luxembourg.

He returns in the 19-20 season to premiere Georg Friedrich Haas's percussion concerto together with the Luxembourg Philharmonic.