In the organizer's words:

Wolfgang Rihm's death in the summer of 2024 not only caused consternation and deep sadness in the music world, it also left an immense gap. The composer's almost incomprehensible productivity, his simultaneously sensual and intellectually sharp approach to everything aesthetic and, last but not least, the sheer spiritual and physical presence of Rihm the man: all of this is now missing. Far and wide, there are no recognizable instances that could satisfy the longing for such forces.

As present as Rihm was for decades in the cultural life not only of the Federal Republic of Germany, he has now suddenly fallen silent. The Heidelberger Frühling, to which Wolfgang Rihm was closely associated over the decades - all of his string quartets were performed here as recently as January 2022 - is now honoring the master with a day of celebration: 'A Festival for Wolfgang Rihm' includes top-class performances of his works and pointed spoken contributions. The audience and the composer's many companions are invited to meet and reminisce together.

The festive day will begin with a performance of Rihm's groundbreaking Music for Three Strings from 1977. Ilya Gringolts, renowned violinist and chamber music virtuoso, Lawrence Power, award-winning violist, and Nicolas Altstaedt, celebrated cellist and interpreter of contemporary music, will present the three-part, almost one-hour masterpiece by the then 25-year-old composer, which was completely at odds with the zeitgeist of New Music at the time. Looking back, it becomes clear how many characteristic elements of the later Rihm were already present in 1977.

16 - 17.15 hrs

Also bookable in the Rihm Pass (includes all three events of the day)

Price information:

29 € regular, 8 € tickets for all under 30 available in the webshop from 3 days before the concert starts and at the Box Office.