Hans Werner Henze would have turned 100 in 2026. And, of course, the Kölner Philharmonie is also celebrating this influential composer. It was here that Ingo Metzmacher and the Ensemble Modern in 1993 premiered Henze's epoch-making “Requiem”. Now, the ensemble and the conductor of the world premiere are commemorating the composer, who died in 2012, with the song cycle "Voices".

With "Voices" for two voices and instrumental groups, the politically minded composer gave a voice to the outcasts of this world in 1973. To this end, Henze set poems by Heinrich Heine, Bertolt Brecht, Hans Magnus Enzensberger, and others to music, incorporating elements of jazz and musical theater. But “Voices” is not only an expression of Henze's commitment, it is also a declaration of love for singing, in which Henze has always seen life reflected in all its beauty and vicissitudes.

Concerts with Amanda Becker