2023 Europakonzert from Barcelona with Kirill Petrenko

The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Europakonzert, which has taken place every year since 1991 on 1 May in alternating European capitals, are a tribute to the diversity of the countries and cultures of this united continent – a message that is more important today than ever before.

In 2023, Barcelona will host the iconic concert, which, with performances of Valentin Silvestrov’s Prayer for Ukraine and Tōru Takemitsu’s Requiem for string orchestra, will also remind us that peaceful coexistence cannot be taken for granted. In Antoni Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Família, the Berliner Philharmoniker and chief conductor Kirill Petrenko then turn their attention to works by Mozart. The first piece is the Symphony in G minor, K. 183 – an emotional musical drama that, in terms of its expressiveness, leaves behind the “social music” intended for various gatherings and events that characterised Mozart’s earlier works. The motet “Exsultate, jubilate” provides a striking contrast. It is arguably Mozart’s best-known sacred composition for soprano, with the virtuoso solo part performed by the British singer Louise Alder.

The main work of the evening is Mozart’s well-known 1779 Coronation Mass, which should actually be called “Easter Mass”, as it was intended for this most important festival of the church year. It only became a Coronation Mass when it was performed in Frankfurt in 1790 for the coronation of Leopold II as emperor. Magnificent music, presented by a superb ensemble of soloists and the Orfeó Català choir.

Berliner Philharmoniker

Kirill Petrenko

Orfeó Català

Louise Alder

Wiebke Lehmkuhl

Linard Vrielink

Krešimir Stražanac