Peace on Earth

The evening begins with Lili Boulanger’s powerful Psalm 24, a passionate hymn of praise for choir, organ and orchestra. This is followed by Brahms’ ›Schicksalslied‹, which captures the tension between hope and despair in moving harmonies. Arnold Schönberg’s ›Friede auf Erden‹ raises the vision of peace to a poignant climax. The centrepiece is Richard Strauss’ iconic ›Thus Spoke Zarathustra‹, based on Nietzsche’s magnum opus of the same name. Iris Berben recites a selection of texts from this work as well as critical responses by the philosopher Andreas Urs Sommer. Another dramaturgical highlight is Michel Friedman’s committed speech on the subject of human rights, in which he traces the often difficult path from ideal to reality. His words, complemented by Berben’s trenchant reading, form a bridge between the artistic worlds and our real present.

The DSO is planning this evening as much more than »just« a concert: it sees it as an invitation to pause, reflect and celebrate together the values that hold our society together. »Orchestra for Democracy« is a call to experience music as a universal language for freedom, peace and justice – and with this programme in all its power: beauty and challenge.