topics
tools
editor's choice

Expatica readers offer tips for using social media for business

Why renting in Germany is more than just an apartment search

Learning German: Passing the critical stage

O’zapft is! German Festivals in 2011

Public holidays in Germany in 2011

Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2286.26 -0.09
DAX 6754.2 -0.16
IBEX 30 8846.9 0.13
CAC 40 3411.54 0.18
FTSE 100 5890.26 -0.03
AEX 325.97 0.28
DJIA 12882.63 0.29
Nasdaq 2906.14 0.14
FTSE MIB 16491.71 0.62
TSX Composite 12521.41 -0.31
ASX 4344.9 -0.45
Hang seng 20699.19 -0.05
Straits Times 2957.78 0.60
ISEQ 20 504.97 -0.68
You are here: Home Leisure Arts & Culture The klassical junkie: The magic of Christmas
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


02/12/2009The klassical junkie: The magic of Christmas

The klassical junkie: The magic of Christmas Expatica’s classical music reviewer, Sumi Somaskanda, previews this season’s musical and edible Christmas treats.

If you’re like me, the magic of Germany’s Christmas markets never gets old. Whether it’s the smell of roasted chestnuts, the glitter of the twinkling lights, or the sweet and spicy taste on the tongue after a swig of hot glühwein, I can’t seem to get enough of the Christmas spirit.

But after you’ve sampled the Belgian waffles and picked up a few presents, make a point to drop in at the concert hall just around the corner for some of the sounds of the holiday season.

Here’s a list of Christmas concerts you can enjoy after a trip (or many trips) to the Christmas market:

-Nürnberg boasts one of Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets but it’s also home to the Nürnberg Symphony. The talented ensemble is spreading the holiday cheer with a special concert on December 26th titled Musical Winter Daydreams. The orchestra will feature festive favorites like Samuel Coleridge’s Christmas Overture, Julius Fučík’s beautiful Winter Storms waltz, Eduard Strauss’ Clear the Track polka and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony 1 in G Minor, better known as Winter Daydreams.

-If you’re in the Rhein area, head to Cologne: the magnificent Dom church is the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market. The city’s Cologne Philharmonic is featuring a month full of festive holiday favorites, most notably a performance of Händel’s Messiah on December 12th. Soprano Camilla Tilling is the star of the show – and if you’re still working on your German, you’re in luck because the work will be performed in English!

 

 

On December 22nd, Christmas in Cologne takes on a decidedly Irish feel with an Irish Christmas concert at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall. The Irish Harp Orchestra and the Planxty O’Rourke Irish Dance Company will pull out bagpipes and fiddles to perform music and choreography from Ireland. And on Christmas Day, Dorothee Oberlinger and the Ensemble 1700 presents a truly traditional holiday treat with classic baroque pieces.

-If you haven’t seen the world-famous Dresden Kreuzchor in person, use this holiday season as an excuse to get a glimpse. The all-boys ensemble from the beautiful city on the Elbe is a treat to watch, especially during Christmas time. The choir is scheduled for repeat performances of two special holiday evenings at the Kreuz Church in Dresden’s magical old city. The first is a Weihnachtsliederabend, or Christmas songs evening, featuring music of Schütz, Freundt and Demantius with organ accompaniment. The second series features a performance of Bach’s timeless Christmas Oratorio – just Cantatas 1 through 3, though, since the entire six-part Oratorio spans three hours.


-What would Christmas be without sugarplum fairies and a mouse king? I’m a sucker for The Nutcracker during the holiday season, especially when the performance involves the Staatskapelle Dresden in the orchestra pit. After opening presents under the tree, you can go to the Semperoper opera house to watch The Nutcracker featuring the Dresden Semperoper Ballet – or catch one of the other performances leading up to and after Christmas Day.



On New Year’s Eve, I admit I cheat a little – I turn on the television and watch the Vienna Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s concert. Sure, it’s not exactly in Germany, but it’s an international tradition. Happy Holidays!

Sumi Somaskanda/Expatica


0 reactions to this article

0 reactions to this article

Inside Expatica
The ABCs of the German school system

The ABCs of the German school system

What you need to know about German schools and daycare.

German immigration and residency regulations

German immigration and residency regulations

Want to move to Germany but haven’t figured out the details? Check out Expatica’s overview of the German permit system.

Driving in Berlin: Rules, habits and fines

Driving in Berlin: Rules, habits and fines

In part one of our two part series, we cover the driving culture in Berlin, where to park and buy gas and, most importantly, the laws.

Looking for work in Germany: The in depth version

Looking for work in Germany: The in depth version

Our comprehensive guide includes information on how to find work, recruitment agencies, employment contracts and labour law.