Thu, 11 March 2010
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Expatica’s classical music reviewer, Sumi Somaskanda, previews the upcoming musical gems from the European Capital of Culture, Germany’s Ruhr region.I’ve mentioned dozens of towns and cities in my travels through the landscape of German classical music but I haven’t yet paid homage to an area that is one of the country’s hidden gems: the Ruhr region. Sure, most people wouldn’t suggest visiting Germany’s Rust Belt but the Ruhr is a fascinating fusion of different peoples and cultures -- and it’s one of the largest urban regions in Europe with more than 5 million residents and 50 cities. That’s why the city of Essen and the surrounding Ruhr region were named the European Capital of Culture 2010.
The European Capital of Culture celebrations will include countless cultural projects, festivals and events throughout 2010, along with a very unique musical program. The Ruhr region will combine its musical forces to honor German composer Hans Werner Henze, an iconic figure in both the fields of contemporary classical music and 20th century political activism. “The Henze Project: New Music for a Metropolis” is Ruhr 2010’s year-long tribute to Henze’s contributions to music and society and his steadfast dedication to freedom and integrity. 
His works span opera, ballet, theater, orchestra and chamber music. Dozens of Ruhr presenters will perform works Henze’s repertoire and from other modern composers linked to the German composer. Their mission: to make contemporary music accessible for everyone. Here are a few highlights from the 2010 program:
-- The concert series kicks off on January 13 and 14 with concerts entitled “Facets of Romanticism.” The Duisburg Philharmonic takes the stage to perform the Adagio, Fugue and Mänadentanz from Henze’s opera, “The Bassarids.” It’s a uniquely constructed one-act opera (including an intermezzo) with four distinct parts that resemble the four movements of an orchestral symphony -- you might not even notice the fact that the theatrical component is missing in this performance!
The Philharmonic will also perform Mendelssohn’s 5th Symphony in D minor and accompany Isabelle Faust as she plays Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major.
German newspapers
Note Mannheim, Germany January 4 U.S. military helicopter crashed in the Rhine region and the recent weather related disasters and earthquakes. Downstream from the Rhine (Netherlands) to the upstream (Switzerland including the Northern Italy), the recent air crash, and Spain, the UK earthquake in the Straits are in this sense.
Strasbourg, France in 1992 after the crash occurred in Cologne with the earthquakes and floods, the French.
The recent earthquake in Haiti as well
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/world/2009/10/11/33512/UN-recovers-11-victims-from-Haiti-plane-crash
www.shaodl.com/sspl8.htm
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