Current events

Haydn’s Cello Concertos – A Challenge Not Only for the Performers

Haydn’s masterpieces for cello and orchestra present challenges not only for the musicians on stage. For centuries, scholars and editors have grappled with fundamental questions: How often has Haydn’s famous name been exploited for forgeries? And how reliable is the surviving musical text—are we really hearing what Haydn intended?

Join us in the search for possible answers.

The lecture will be presented in English.

Programme subject to change.

Actor Michael Rotschopf reads about the courage that comes from the heart: an inspiring encounter with fear, trust and the quiet strength to grow beyond oneself — with an open heart and a true lionheart.

Subject to change.

Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
Les Illuminations, Op. 18

Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
Elegy

Wolfgang A. Mozart (1756–1791)
Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218

Subject to change

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)
Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Subject to change

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Zwieg, Chief Developer at the string manufacturer Larsen Strings A/S, offers insights into the interaction between instrument, strings, bow and bowing technique — and into what musicians can do themselves to influence the response, articulation, volume and timbre of their string instrument.

The lecture will be held in English and is intended for participants in the Cello Masterclasses as well as interested visitors.

Subject to change.

Excerpts from:

Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Concerto No. 1 in C major, Hob. VIIb 1 and No. 2 in D major, Hob. VIIb 2

Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805)
Concerto No. 3 in D major, G 476

INTERMISSION

Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Max Bruch (1838–1920)
Kol Nidrei in D minor, Op. 47

Prizewinners’ Concert of the Cello Masterclasses

Subject to change

Final Concert of the Cello Masterclasses

The programme will be announced at a later date.

Subject to change

David Geringas (*1946)
Excerpts from “Sag das niemandem: Lebenserinnerungen eines Cellisten”

Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
Widmung No. 1, Op. 25

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Minnelied No. 5, Op. 71

François Couperin (1668–1733)
Pièces en concert arranged for three violoncellos by David Geringas

Kronberg Academy honours the great cellist and pedagogue on his milestone birthday with a special event featuring music and recitation.

Subject to change

Between Conservation and the Concert Hall – Pernambuco Bows under New CITES Regulations

Pernambuco (*Paubrasilia echinata*) is a critically endangered tree species from Brazil. Its wood is prized for its stability, flexibility, and low weight, making it the primary material for crafting bows for string instruments.

Stricter CITES regulations for Pernambuco wood—which came into effect on March 5, 2026, following the most recent Conference of the Parties—have introduced new rules governing international trade and sales within the EU. However, the species' protection status remains unchanged; it has been under special protection since 2007. This presentation examines the implications for bow makers, musicians, the trade sector, and international travel. It focuses on the practical consequences regarding documentation, ownership, and transfer, as well as how species conservation can be reconciled with the responsible preservation of the art of bow making.

Master bow maker Thomas M. Gerbeth, who lives in his adopted home of Vienna, is committed to the conservation and sustainable future of Pernambuco. Through the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative, he brings together species conservation, traditional bow making, and scientific research. His work focuses on projects in Brazil that promote the preservation, reforestation, and responsible use of this essential tree species for bow making.

The lecture will be held in German. Mr Gerbeth’s presentation (new CITES regulations) will be supplemented with English-language headings and brief explanatory notes, enabling English-speaking participants to follow the key content easily.

Subject change.