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Symphony Concert

Sir Donald with Holst

"The Planets" by Holst and a symphony by our Composer in Residence.
© Simon Pauly

11/22

Saturday | 11/22/2025
7:00 pm Start of Concert
Concert introduction with Dr. Michael Kube 1 hour before the concert starts in the hall of the Central Library (1st floor).
Kulturpalast, Konzertsaal
64 | 53 | 45 | 39 | 29 | 22 €
32 € for Schüler unter 18J.
32 € for Ermäßigte Junge Leute u. 30J.
32 € for Schwerbehindert ab GdB80
32 € for Dresden-Pass

About the Concert

James MacMillan is Scottish, just like our chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles. Both have known and respected each other for many years, so it is no wonder that MacMillan dedicated one of his symphonies to his friend. This symphony, the fourth of our Composer in Residence, contains everything that defines his composing style: opulent melodies stand alongside rich soundscapes, tight marches alongside harmonies reminiscent of Bach. The listeners are not safe from apparent coincidences - perhaps not surprising, considering MacMillan is a big football fan and loves the unpredictability of the game. In addition, one of the most popular symphonic works in English music, Holst's "The Planets," will be performed - continuing our British Festival with this concert.

Program

Sir James MacMillan (Composer in Residence)
Symphony No. 4

Gustav Holst
"The Planets" Suite for large orchestra

Artists

Sir Donald Runnicles
Conductor
Philharmonischer Chor Dresden
Dresdner Philharmonie

Biographies

Sir Donald Runnicles

Chief Conductor of the Dresdner Philharmonie

Introducing Sir Donald Runnicles! More pictures & videos of our new Chief Conductor can be found here.

Sir Donald Runnicles has been Chief Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic since the start of the 2025/26 season. In his first Dresden season, he will be presenting Strauss's "Elektra" in concert, conducting concerts at the British Festival, and leading the orchestra on a tour of Asia, to name just a few projects. The Scotsman will also remain General Music Director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin until mid-2026. He stands for the principle of quality over quantity and has thus established close artistic ties with renowned institutions worldwide, both in the opera pit and on the concert podium.

 

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Philharmonischer Chor Dresden

The Dresden Philharmonic Choir has been active for over 55 years, since it was founded in 1967 on the initiative of Kurt Masur. The approximately 70 singers perform the demanding choral work in their free time. They give concerts with the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of the respective chief and guest conductors, collaborate with other choirs and orchestras and perform a cappella programs in and outside of Dresden. Iris Geißler has led the ensemble since October 2022.

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Dresdner Philharmonie

Top Class!

That is the claim of the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra stands for concerts at the highest artistic level, musical education for all ages and looking beyond the musical horizon. Guest performances on almost every continent and collaborations with guests from all over the world have established the reputation of the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra in the international classical music world.  

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