The Art of Duo: Kropinski and Köhnlein take it to new heights.

Uwe Kropinski and Dieter Köhnlein met in 1987. They perceived the unusual combination of guitar and piano as a challenge and soon developed their own forms of duo playing. Since then, they have not only recorded several CDs together but also performed numerous concerts. Now, after many years, they have returned to the studio, resulting in their new work "Scratching the Silence."

"Köhnlein and Kropinski succeed in uniting instrumental virtuosity and musicality. Their duo guarantees the highest art of improvisation, modern jazz in a world-class format."
Thomas Beck, Fränkische Landeszeitung

Doors open at 8:00 PM. No seat guarantee.

The big Over 30s Party: "In the city hall and dance bar"

Dancing, celebrating, and flirting in a comfortable atmosphere and stylish ambiance - that's what "The big Over 30s Party" offers to visitors. Danceable and mood-boosting hits from the last four decades guarantee the ultimate party fun. In various areas, you can dance and celebrate to atmospheric music until the early morning hours. The big Over 30s Party offers all night owls an unforgettable party experience.

Admission: 10:00 PM

Elisabeth's life unfolds between the anatomical institute and the welfare office. Scarcity is her strongest driving force. In order to earn money - she is a saleswoman for corsets, stockings, and bras - she needs a hawker's license, which costs 150 marks. For this amount, she would like to sell her body to the anatomical institute while still alive, which is not possible. The anatomist feels sorry for her and lends her the money. When he learns that Elisabeth has lied to him, he sends her to prison. But Elisabeth does not give up: young, hopeful, and determined to make her own luck, she fights with all means for her existence.

Ödön von Horváth's play is signed with "A little death dance in five acts": It shows the tragicomic struggle of the individual in a merciless society, in which the marginalized individual no longer plays a role.

In "The Mummy," you are right in the middle of an equally absurd and eerie-comical story.

After a series of colossal flops, Hollywood director Jack Arnold dreams of a magnificent comeback. That's why he wants to shoot his new horror film "The Mummy" entirely authentically in a real pyramid. With lavish bribes, he secures the filming permit - and ends up in a place of terror. For centuries, no human soul has entered this pyramid, and for good reason. Soon, Arnold must not only deal with the whimsical diva Daisy Donald and his incompetent film crew, but also with an eerie curse and a being that has been waiting for an opportunity to return...

In this horror-comedy, you are right in the thick of it, the audience is part of the action. Of course, you can also follow the events entirely from the spectator's perspective. The kitchen monsters will serve you a delicious 4-course meal in between the scenes. An exciting blend of dinner and theater. Also suitable for those with weak nerves.

Door opens: 30 minutes before the start

2024-09-29_The Eternal Snob

2024-11-30_Mindfully Murdering

2025-02-15_Things I Know for Sure

2025-03-22_Rent a Friend

2025-04-26_Waiting for the Bus

Experience the hits of the incomparable Swedish cult band ABBA,
one of the most successful bands of all time with around 400 million records sold!

Accompanied by an exquisite multi-course menu, we will take you back to the time of
bell-bottoms and platform shoes.

In authentic costumes, our artists bring back the disco era with hits like "Dancing Queen"
and "Mamma Mia", among others.

Become part of an unforgettable evening, up close with Anni-Frid, Björn, Benni, and Agnetha,
and embark on a journey into the musical world of ABBA.

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Comedy for International Women's Day

Following her successful program "Für mich soll’s rote Rosen hageln," Franziska Wanninger entertains her audience this time with wonderful communication tips. But you can already tell that by the title. "Wenn du wen brauchst, ruf mich nicht an" is a blend of witty characters and absurdly funny stories. Sprinkled with pointed reflections on life itself, moving, hotel beds, happiness, and death.
With charm, powerful singing, and theatrical comedy, Franziska Wanninger provides an entertaining evening that is at least as lasting as Aunt Traudl's wedding cabinet.

Listen to the hilarious stories of this Bavarian force of nature. Chuckle, laugh, revel! But please, just don't call her.

Presale: 18 € / Reduced: 16 €
At the door: 21 € / Reduced: 19 €
Students, apprentices, pupils, and students: 8 €

"I Burn for Life"

Literature by Garcia Lorca and Enrique Girón

Music for violin and piano by
de Falla, Lorca, Poulenc, Mompou, Kreisler, and Granados

7 pm Introduction / Admission 6.45 pm

At the end of the 50s, so many great Rock'n'Roll songs were created that the charts did not have enough space to do justice to this outstanding boom of titles. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Fats Domino landed one hit after another - not to mention Elvis, who set new standards. Evergreens like Sweet Little 16, Peggy Sue, C'mon Everybody, Ain't That a Shame, or Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On were created in just the years 1957 and 1958...

Andy Lee knows how to excite "non-Rock'n'Rollers" for the big hits of that era with interesting background knowledge on the piano or guitar. Through his infotainment, the music is experienced even more intensely. On this evening, the piano rocker is a guest with his trio (lead guitar and double bass) and a special program.

So, if you want to hear an electrifying entertainment program with great live music and interesting stories from the wild 50s, then this is the place to be.

Doors open at 7:00 PM

Eight Classical Concerts

Tickets may still be available at local box offices or at the door.

Dream on!
The new cabaret program by Frank Lüdecke

Need assisted thinking? Wonderful! Frank Lüdecke has been thinking about this world for so long, you can simply take on his opinion. That's practical. Especially in these confusing, chaotic times. Many are uncertain: Is it still okay to talk to people today who have a different opinion? And why is the right opinion so rarely found in others? Politics also doesn't make it easy for us. If the government has nearly 30 special funds - are we even in debt? Why are we investing in the military again, but at the same time wanting to abolish the National Youth Games?

And then AI: Who will win the race between artificial intelligence and natural stupidity? It's still unclear. But there are initial signs: Authorities are unreachable because citizens no longer have fax machines. Students struggle to decipher letters, even though teachers regularly write learning goal assessment meeting protocols. What's going wrong there?

Frank Lüdecke navigates through our chaotic life landscape as always current and surprising. The recipient of various cabaret awards (German Cabaret Award, German Cabaret Prize, Bavarian Cabaret Prize, Cabaret Prizes from NRW and Lower Saxony, among others) as well as the director of the cabaret theater DIE STACHELSCHWEINE in Berlin does not hesitate to cleverly combine politics, philosophy, and humor for two entertaining hours. There will also be music, as always.

At the end of his analysis, he has good and bad news for you. The bad: He doesn't really know himself. The good: Despite all odds, he remains optimistic. And advises: "Keep dreaming!"

Foyer and bar open from 6:00 p.m. Entrance to the hall from 6:30 p.m.

Friday, March 7, 2025
Opening Concert 19:30
Rittersaal der Kaiserburg (70´)
Dance on the Volcano

Heinrich Biber Battaglia á 10

Samuel Barber Dover Beach for Baritone and String Quartet

Maurice Ravel Introduction et Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet

Ernst Toch Dance Suite (Selection) for Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, and Percussion

Johannes Julius Fischer / G.P. Telemann Music for electrified table and strings - a dining experience with TELEMANN for Solo Percussion, Strings, and Harpsichord

Tianwa Yang I Violin
NN I Violin
Emma Wernig I Viola
Lily Francis I Violin, Viola
Leonid Gorokhov I Cello
Konrad Fichtner I Double Bass
Johannes Fischer I Percussion and Composition
Frederic Belli I Trombone
Nari Hong I Flute
Kilian Herold I Clarinet
Ronan Collett I Baritone
Lilo Kraus I Harp
Nicholas Rimmer I Harpsichord / Piano

Friday, March 7, 2025
Night Concert 22:00
Engelschor in der Sebalduskirche (50´)
Pause

Dmitri Shostakovich String Quartet No. 11

J.S. Bach Partita in A minor for Transverse Flute BWV 1013 interspersed with György Kurtág Signs, Games, and Messages (Selection)

Olga Neuwirth coronAtion I: io son ferito ahimè for percussion and sample

Tom Waits/Johannes Fischer
Time for Baritone, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Harp, and Percussion

Tianwa Yang I Violin
NN I Violin
Emma Wernig I Viola
Lily Francis I Violin, Viola
Leonid Gorokhov I Cello
Konrad Fichtner I Double Bass
Johannes Fischer I Percussion and Composition
Frederic Belli I Trombone
Nari Hong I Flute
Kilian Herold I Clarinet
Lilo Kraus I Harp

Before the concert: Hot drinks
60 steps, unheated room, but blankets available

Saturday, March 8
19:30
St. Marthakirche (90´)
REFLECTIONS and REFLECTIONS

John Bull / Marton Illés In Nomine VI for Clarinet, Cello, Piano

Ethan Resnik Windy Contemplation for Solo Flute

Sulkhan Tsintsatze Five Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes for Cello and Piano

Hanns Eisler From the Hollywood Songbook

Arvo Pärt Spiegel im Spiegel for Viola and Vibraphone

Johannes Brahms four serious songs Version with Trombone and Piano

Alexander Krein Jewish Sketches op 12 for Clarinet and String Quartet

Toru Takemitsu Rain Spell for Flute, Clarinet, Harp, Piano, and Vibraphone

Samuel Barber Adagio from the String Quartet op. 11

Tianwa Yang I Violin
NN I Violin
Emma Wernig I Viola
Lily Francis I Violin, Viola
Leonid Gorokhov I Cello
Konrad Fichtner I Double Bass
Johannes Fischer I Percussion and Composition
Frederic Belli I Trombone
Nari Hong I Flute
Kilian Herold I Clarinet
Lilo Kraus I Harp
Nicholas Rimmer I Harpsichord / Piano

After the concert: Hot drinks and pastries

Saturday, March 8 22:00
Forum im Handwerkerhof (60´plus)
NIGHT:LIFE

George Antheil Violin Sonata No. 2 for Violin, Piano, and Percussion

Paul Wiancko A Sanguine Clockwork for Violin, Viola, and Cello

Marc Blitzstein Songs incl. Stay in my Arms

Cole Porter/ Johannes Fischer All of you, Be like the Bluebird

Franco Donatoni Cerocchi 70 for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano

Sting Autumn Winds, Moon over Bourbon Street & other songs arr. Belli-Fischer-Rimmer for Trombone, Percussion, Piano

Felix Borel Violin&Loop Station Improvisation

16 steps, heated room

Tianwa Yang I Violin
NN I Violin
Emma Wernig I Viola
Lily Francis I Violin, Viola
Leonid Gorokhov I Cello
Konrad Fichtner I Double Bass
Johannes Fischer I Percussion and Composition
Frederic Belli I Trombone
Nari Hong I Flute
Kilian Herold I Clarinet
Ronan Collett I Baritone
Nicholas Rimmer I Harpsichord / Piano

Sunday, March 9, 2025
13:00

St. Marthakirche (80´)
Out of All Proportions

JS Bach arr. Trio Belli-Fischer-Rimmer Contrapuntus XIV. from The Art of Fugue

Jörg Widmann Duel for Trombone and Electric Guitar

Paul Hindemith Trio for Piano, Viola, and Tenor Saxophone

Ernst Toch Fugue from Geography for Speech Choir

Louis Gruenberg Animals and Insects for Baritone and Piano

Claude Bolling from the Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio: I. Baroque and Blue

Guillaume Connesson Techno-Parade

Ludwig van Beethoven Great Fugue op 133 for String Quartet

Tianwa Yang I Violin
NN I Violin
Emma Wernig I Viola
Lily Francis I Violin, Viola
Leonid Gorokhov I Cello
Konrad Fichtner I Double Bass
Johannes Fischer I Percussion and Composition
Frederic Belli I Trombone
Nari Hong I Flute
Kilian Herold I Clarinet
Robert Seara I Tenor Saxophone
Ronan Collett I Baritone
NN I Electric Guitar
Nicholas Rimmer I Harpsichord / Piano

Copyright of all images: Kammer Musik Theater e.V.

Admission: 19:00

Friday, March 7, 2025
Opening Concert 19:30
Rittersaal of the Kaiserburg (70´)
Dance on the Volcano

Heinrich Biber Battaglia á 10

Samuel Barber Dover Beach for baritone and string quartet

Maurice Ravel Introduction et Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet

Ernst Toch Dance Suite (Selection) for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, double bass, and percussion

Johannes Julius Fischer / G.P. Telemann Music for electrified table and strings - a dining experience with TELEMANN for solo percussion, strings, and harpsichord

Tianwa Yang I violin
NN I violin
Emma Wernig I viola
Lily Francis I violin, viola
Leonid Gorokhov I cello
Konrad Fichtner I double bass
Johannes Fischer I percussion and composition
Frederic Belli I trombone
Nari Hong I flute
Kilian Herold I clarinet
Ronan Collett I baritone
Lilo Kraus I harp
Nicholas Rimmer I harpsichord / piano

Friday, March 7, 2025
Late Concert 22:00
Engelschor in the Sebalduskirche (50´)
Pause

Dmitri Shostakovich String Quartet No. 11

J.S. Bach Partita A minor for transverse flute BWV 1013 interspersed with György Kurtág Signs, Games and Messages (Selection)

Olga Neuwirth coronAtion I: io son ferito ahimè for percussion and sample

Tom Waits/Johannes Fischer
Time for baritone, clarinet, violin, cello, harp, and percussion

Tianwa Yang I violin
NN I violin
Emma Wernig I viola
Lily Francis I violin, viola
Leonid Gorokhov I cello
Konrad Fichtner I double bass
Johannes Fischer I percussion and composition
Frederic Belli I trombone
Nari Hong I flute
Kilian Herold I clarinet
Lilo Kraus I harp

Before the concert: Hot drinks
60 steps, unheated room, but blankets available

Saturday, March 8
19:30
St. Marthakirche (90´)
REFLECTIONS and MIRRORS

John Bull / Marton Illés In Nomine VI for clarinet, cello, piano

Ethan Resnik Windy Contemplation for Solo Flute

Sulkhan Tsintsatze Five Pieces on Georgian Folk Themes for cello and piano

Hanns Eisler From the Hollywood Songbook

Arvo Pärt Spiegel im Spiegel for viola and vibraphone

Johannes Brahms four serious songs version with trombone and piano

Alexander Krein Jewish Sketches op 12 for clarinet and string quartet

Toru Takemitsu Rain Spell for flute, clarinet, harp, piano, and vibraphone

Samuel Barber Adagio from the string quartet op. 11

Tianwa Yang I violin
NN I violin
Emma Wernig I viola
Lily Francis I violin, viola
Leonid Gorokhov I cello
Konrad Fichtner I double bass
Johannes Fischer I percussion and composition
Frederic Belli I trombone
Nari Hong I flute
Kilian Herold I clarinet
Lilo Kraus I harp
Nicholas Rimmer I harpsichord / piano

After the concert: Hot drinks and pastries

Saturday, March 8 22:00
Forum im Handwerkerhof (60´plus)
NIGHT:LIFE

George Antheil Violin Sonata No. 2 for violin, piano, and percussion

Paul Wiancko A Sanguine Clockwork for violin, viola, and cello

Marc Blitzstein Songs including Stay in my Arms

Cole Porter/ Johannes Fischer All of you, Be like the Bluebird

Franco Donatoni Cerocchi 70 for clarinet, cello, and piano

Sting Autumn Winds, Moon over Bourbon Street & other songs arr. Belli-Fischer-Rimmer for trombone, percussion, piano

Felix Borel Violin & Loop Station Improvisation

16 steps, heated room

Tianwa Yang I violin
NN I violin
Emma Wernig I viola
Lily Francis I violin, viola
Leonid Gorokhov I cello
Konrad Fichtner I double bass
Johannes Fischer I percussion and composition
Frederic Belli I trombone
Nari Hong I flute
Kilian Herold I clarinet
Ronan Collett I baritone
Nicholas Rimmer I harpsichord / piano

Sunday, March 9, 2025
13:00

St. Marthakirche (80´)
Out of All Proportions

JS Bach arr. Trio Belli-Fischer-Rimmer Contrapuntus XIV. from The Art of Fugue

Jörg Widmann Duel for trombone and electric guitar

Paul Hindemith Trio for piano, viola, and tenor saxophone

Ernst Toch Fugue from Geography for speaking choir

Louis Gruenberg Animals and Insects for baritone and piano

Claude Bolling from the Suite for flute and jazz piano trio: I. Baroque and Blue

Guillaume Connesson Techno-Parade

Ludwig van Beethoven Grosse Fuge op 133 for string quartet

Tianwa Yang I violin
NN I violin
Emma Wernig I viola
Lily Francis I violin, viola
Leonid Gorokhov I cello
Konrad Fichtner I double bass
Johannes Fischer I percussion and composition
Frederic Belli I trombone
Nari Hong I flute
Kilian Herold I clarinet
Robert Seara I tenor saxophone
Ronan Collett I baritone
NN I electric guitar
Nicholas Rimmer I harpsichord / piano

Copyright for all images: Kammer Musik Theater e.V.

Admission: 21:30

OLD ACQUAINTANCES

Old Acquaintances are undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary phenomena in the concert scene. The quintet celebrates their German-language a cappella songs with unparalleled authenticity, where EVERYTHING! is created exclusively with human voices, including the rhythmic accompaniment.
At the same time, since their successful start in 2018 as the legitimate successors of the dissolved Wise Guys, Old Acquaintances continue a long tradition. With Daniel 'Dän' Dickopf and Björn Sterzenbach, two original Wise Guys singers, are also founding members of Old Acquaintances.

The stage is what Old Acquaintances call "their natural habitat," a place where the musicians feel particularly comfortable. This feeling automatically transfers to the audience, as the band's concerts are experiences for all the senses. Old Acquaintances deliver a highly emotional show that goes beyond just listening to music and turns every performance into a communal experience between the band and the audience.

Since the end of the lockdown in July 2021, Old Acquaintances have played well over 160 concerts. Their successful 2023 tour (theme: 'Nothing beats LIVE!') will continue in 2024 with undiminished intensity. In their shows, they present a variety of their own songs - currently focusing on the latest, fourth album 'Stabil' (2023; ranked 23rd on the German album charts) - as well as some unforgettable Wise Guys classics.

Dän Dickopf's illness has thankfully been overcome. In December 2021, the popular singer suffered a severe stroke, spent two months in the hospital with subsequent rehabilitation, and fought his way back to the stage with unwavering determination. "The music and my colleagues gave me a lot of support and strength," reflects the musician on those difficult days.

To be able to experience Dän Dickopf again with Old Acquaintances on the extensive 2024 tour after this encouraging recovery fits in with what Björn Sterzenbach reveals about the atmosphere of the current program: "There is music and lyrics for dreaming, for reflection, even for holding back tears, and in the end, the room is danced in without inhibition! Old Acquaintances' concerts are a blend of music, close communication between us and our fans, including a shared good time for all present!" If you want to be personally convinced of this, you should definitely visit the band on their 'Nothing beats live!' tour - because on stage, Old Acquaintances are the ultimate concert experience!

In addition to their favorite task, live concerts, Old Acquaintances are dedicating themselves with great enthusiasm this year to recording not just one, but two new albums! In the fall, the long-awaited Christmas album will finally be released, and just in time for the start of the new live program in early 2025, the band's fifth studio album will be published.

Doors open: 7:30 PM

Welcome to the realm of knowledge in the Baroque era: Stepping onto creaking floorboards into the quiet grandeur of our historical library hall, one is immediately enveloped by the collective knowledge of the Early Modern period. Like stage sets in a Baroque theater, the original bookshelves jut into the space, housing around 50,000 books from all fields of knowledge. Behind unassuming book spines lie remarkable treasures, such as the first German Bible printed in America.

At the end of the 17th century, the orphanage's library was established as one of the first public libraries in Germany. Primarily through donations, book exchanges, and their own publications, the library grew so rapidly that within a few years, it was comparable to significant German university libraries. In 1728, it received its own building, which is considered the oldest surviving secular library structure in Germany. Not only in recent times has the library been visited by guests and researchers from around the world: Albrecht von Haller, Johann Joachim Winckelmann, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe all admired its bibliophilic treasures. We present a selection of them for you in rotating cabinet exhibitions in the former reading room of the library.

10 am - 5 pm

The Art and Natural History Chamber is considered the oldest German museum room. It was established by August Hermann Francke for educational purposes and is now once again set up according to the original museum concept of the 18th century in its historical location in the attic of the Historical Orphanage.

Eighteen richly decorated collection cabinets house approximately 3000 natural specimens, curiosities, and artifacts. They provide a unique impression of a Baroque cabinet of curiosities. Unlike modern museums, the chamber follows an encyclopedic collecting approach. A distinction is made between natural specimens and artifacts. The natural specimens are divided into rocks, plants, and animals, while the artifacts are categorized into visual arts, calligraphy, coins, everyday culture, and clothing. The goal was to create a mirror image of the world: a microcosm that made the macrocosm as the wonderful creation of God tangible.

In a series of events, art projects take place around the Art and Natural History Chamber. In the so-called "Contemporary Reflections on the Art and Natural History Chamber," foundations invite artists to engage in an artistic dialogue with the chamber.

Detailed information

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Palace-like, the orphanage rises on Franckeplatz. Then as now, it is the centerpiece of the Francke Foundations. Erected in 1698 as the first building of the school city, it represents a new facet of European Baroque, combining confident representation without extravagant ornamentation and setting the tone for orphanage architecture.

Today, the orphanage is our museum and cultural center. Right from the start, two permanent exhibitions guide you through the history of the foundation and the global impact of Pietism. On the first floor, the former prayer and singing hall surprises with its bright architecture. Today, it enjoys an excellent reputation as a concert hall due to its fantastic acoustics. In the adjacent conference rooms, a photo exhibition showcases the impressive renovation work since the foundations were reestablished in 1991. The second floor is reserved for our changing special exhibitions, which provide insight into important themes of the foundation's history from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Passing through the art and natural history collections in the attic, you reach the balcony via a narrow wooden staircase. Here, a wide view opens up over the impressive ensemble with school buildings from three centuries. There is also a splendid panorama of the Old Town of Halle from here. In the basement, children can explore their own paths in the Krokoseum.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What power does the word have? For Halleschen Pietismus, the word was of central importance. On the ground floor of the Historical Orphanage, we show you how August Hermann Francke's reform movement could spread around the world.

Francke developed central reformative goals of Martin Luther's with Halleschen Pietismus. His approach was as clear as it was revolutionary: Every person should find God through their own Bible reading. However, for this to happen, everyone - boys and girls alike - had to learn to read, everyone should be able to afford their own Bible and it should be printed in their own native language. Therefore, Francke established schools for all social classes, printed millions of German-language People's Bibles, and created an international network through which the Bible was translated into many other languages. His educational initiative allowed a broad population to engage with the word. In the 18th-century evangelical parsonages, the authors of the Romantic and Enlightenment periods were highly regarded. A culture of self-reflection spread in Pietism, which was reflected in diaries and personal testimonies, giving us remarkable insights into the spiritual life of people of that time. Symbolically, the power of the word is also evident in the meticulously restored pulpit from the Church of St. Ulrich in Halle, where Francke preached from 1715 and which you can admire in the exhibition.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm