Berlin's classical music scene offers a rich selection of concerts and performances in mid-November, featuring world-renowned artists and diverse programs. Here is an overview of notable events for music enthusiasts in the city.

Staatsoper's 'Les Contes d'Hoffmann'

The Berlin State Opera presents Jacques Offenbach's opera 'Les Contes d'Hoffmann', with acclaimed tenor Pene Pati performing the title role. The production, directed by Lydia Steier, brings to life the fantastical tales of E.T.A. Hoffmann through imaginative staging. Pati, originally from Samoa and now recognized on international stages, brings athletic energy and expressive acting to Offenbach's complex and demanding score. Performances are scheduled at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this celebrated work in a vibrant setting.

Pianist Vikingur Ólafsson at the Philharmonie

Icelandic pianist Vikingur Ólafsson, noted for his innovative interpretations and substantial popularity among classical audiences, returns to Berlin with his new album 'Opus 109'. His program establishes a musical connection between works by Bach, Schubert, and Beethoven, all composed in E major or E minor keys. The concert's repertoire includes selections from Bach's 'The Well-Tempered Clavier', Partita No. 6, Beethoven's Sonata in E minor Op. 90 and Sonata No. 30 Op. 109, as well as Schubert's Sonata in E minor D 566. Ólafsson's performances are known for their seamless transitions and nuanced artistry, making this event a highlight of the concert season.

Hommage to Lili and Nadia Boulanger at the Konzerthaus

The Konzerthaus Berlin dedicates a five-day event to the influential Boulanger sisters, Lili and Nadia. Lili Boulanger, a prodigious composer who passed away at a young age, and Nadia Boulanger, a distinguished educator, shaped the landscape of 20th-century classical music. The festival, entitled 'Twice Unique', features concerts, literary evenings, and choral performances. Highlights include performances by the Boulanger Trio and the Konzerthaus Orchestra, presenting works by the Boulanger sisters, their contemporaries such as Fauré, Debussy, and Ravel, and notable students of Nadia Boulanger, including Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. The event concludes with a choral festival, celebrating the impact of the Boulanger legacy.

RSB Performs Szymanowski's 'Stabat mater'

The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB) presents Karol Szymanowski's 'Stabat mater' at the Philharmonie. Unlike the operatic interpretation by Rossini, Szymanowski's version draws on Polish translations and folk influences, resulting in a more restrained, spiritual composition. The concert also features Mahler's Symphony No. 4, with soloists Amanda Majeski, Agnieszka Rehlis, and Kostas Smoriginas, accompanied by the RSB and the Berlin Radio Choir under the direction of Edward Gardner.

Charity Concert by Stiftung Gute-Tat

The Stiftung Gute-Tat, an organization supporting volunteer work, marks its 15th annual benefit concert in Berlin. The program includes works by Beethoven, Leopold Mozart, Bartók, and Liszt, performed by violinist Ragnhild Hemsing and the Orchestre National Rhône d'Auvergne conducted by Thomas Zehetmair. Proceeds from the concert support the foundation's initiatives, encouraging civic engagement and community service.

Novoflot Opera Company's Carnival Project

The Novoflot opera company continues its exploration of musical theatre with a unique production inspired by Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' and the concept of a 'fifth season'. The project began with a performance at Berlin's Lustgarten and continues with secret events accessible via shuttle bus from Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. The exact locations remain undisclosed, enhancing the sense of adventure. The event features two Berlin wind ensembles and a cast of sixty, and serves as the opening to a broader European musical initiative that will travel to cities including Cologne, Zurich, and Athens before concluding in Berlin.

These events collectively showcase Berlin's dynamic classical music offerings, providing opportunities for audiences to experience both traditional and contemporary interpretations, support charitable causes, and participate in innovative musical experiences throughout November.