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Four days of music, dance and socialising

A look back at the In Motion Festival

At »In Motion«, the Cologne Philharmonic Hall became a place for new perspectives, surprising connections and plenty of movement.
Three flags wave in the wind, each featuring artistic images and text. The middle flag reads »Nachhaltende Momente«.

Music and dance at the Philharmonie

From Rameau and urban dance to The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic and the Scottish Ensemble: music and dance have come together in a wide variety of ways and have never ceased to surprise.

  • A stage with a large circular screen above and spotlights, surrounded by an orchestra in a concert hall.
  • A modern concert hall is filled with an audience. A well-lit stage is at the front with several musicians performing.
  • An ensemble of musicians (Scottish Ensemble) stands on a spotlighted stage in darkness, all focused on their instruments and performance.

    • An audience on move

    It wasn’t just on stage that people were dancing. At the Beat Lab workshop, in the auditorium with the treppenhausorchester, and in the foyer with DJ Ada Sternberg, the audience got moving too.

  • People practicing with basketballs in a room. The floor is blue, and the ceiling has several lights.
  • A concert hall with ambient red and green lighting, many seats filled. Musicians performing on stage, spotlight at center.
  • A DJ is playing music on a mixer. In the background, a group of people is dancing in a lively atmosphere.

    • An exciting programme of events

    There was plenty going on around the Philharmonie too: dance performances in the foyer, acrobatic displays of weightlessness – including on Kurt-Hackenberg-Platz – and a silent disco that turned Heinrich-Böll-Platz into a dance floor.

  • A couple dances (UNANiM Kollektiv) in a lively room, surrounded by onlookers. They wear matching outfits and hold hands.
  • A large crowd gathers outdoors on a sunny day. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.
  • Two people are standing outdoors, one wearing headphones. They are talking. In the background, others and a modern building are visible.

    • Classical music meets street dance

    A real highlight: »Battle Vivaldi« with Le Concert de la Loge and Compagnie Käfig. Classical music meets street dance.

  • A man dances passionately while musicians play violins. The scene conveys a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
  • A group of dancers pose energetically on stage while musicians in the background play string instruments.
  • Dancers perform a modern choreography on a dimly lit stage. The atmosphere is dynamic and engaging.

    • We’ll be back in 2027!

    6,000 visitors, four days full of energy and countless moments that will live on.

    Thank you to all the artists, contributors and, of course, the audience, who made this first »In Motion« a festival that moves people.

    See you in 2027! The »In Motion« festival will then take place from 2 to 6 November at the Kölner Philharmonie.