Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival opens in Lübeck with orchestra concert

The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival commenced its annual celebration of music in Lübeck with an opening concert by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Under the baton of New York-based conductor Karina Canellakis, the orchestra performed works by Antonín Dvořák and Gustav Mahler. Cellist Anastasia Kobekina captivated the audience with Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, followed by a powerful rendition of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 "Titan."

This year's festival promises a rich and varied program, offering 205 concerts, five rural music festivals, two children's music festivals, and five "Werftsommer" concerts. Performances will take place across 120 venues in Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark, Hamburg, and North Lower Saxony, extending until August 30. Notably, approximately two-thirds of all concerts are already sold out, indicating strong public demand.

Stockholm is the featured city for this year's festival, with over 85 concerts showcasing the Swedish capital's diverse musical landscape. The program spans genres from Baroque and classical to folk, jazz, and pop, with notable appearances scheduled, including the Swedish band Roxette in Kiel on July 18. The festival also highlights the accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, who is set to perform in 18 different concerts.

The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, established in 1986, is recognized as one of Europe's largest music festivals. It was founded by Justus Frantz, who also served as its first artistic director. Christian Kuhnt has been leading the festival since 2013. The opening concert is scheduled for a repeat performance in Lübeck and will be broadcast live on 3sat and radio by Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR).