Universitätschor Dresden im Konzert | „Dein Licht, wer kann es rauben!“

In the organizer's words:

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the Dresden University Choir invites you to a special concert evening in the Kreuzkirche. Under the title "Dein Licht, wer kann es rauben!", the ensemble and the Junge Kammerphilharmonie Sachsen will present two important works from the Romantic period that deal with the themes of steadfastness and inner conviction in different ways.

The first part of the program focuses on Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's "The First Walpurgis Night", based on the ballad by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The work depicts the druids' attempt to preserve their ancient customs in the face of emerging resistance. Mendelssohn's composition captivates with its rhythmic energy and skillful orchestration, which brings the conflict between the groups and the play with the spooky to life.

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's oratorio "Christoforus" provides a contrast to this. The late Romantic work sets the legend of the giant Reprobus to music, who ultimately becomes the bearer of Christ (Christoforus) in his search for the most powerful ruler. Rheinberger uses a lyrical and harmonically rich tonal language here, which traces the protagonist's path from the search to the symbolic river crossing.

The musical direction is in the hands of Benedikt Kantert. The university choir is supported by an experienced quartet of soloists: Laurenzia Kampa (soprano), Lena Hermann (alto), Theo Rohde (tenor) and Anton Haupt (bass). The interplay between the large choir and the Junge Kammerphilharmonie Sachsen promises a differentiated interpretation of these two stylistically diverse compositions.