POWERFUL I

With the Barbican Quartet, First Prize winner of the ARD International Music Competition 2022, the Hamburg based Kaiser Quartett and the acclaimed actor Sebastian Ströbel, Musica Viva brings together three outstanding artistic personalities in an extraordinary double concert. Together, they trace the evolution of the string quartet from its beginnings to the present day, revealing how vibrant, versatile and powerful this genre continues to be.

The first concert of the evening features the internationally acclaimed Barbican Quartet performing works by Joseph Haydn, the founding father of the string quartet. More than two hundred and fifty years later, the Kaiser Quartett takes up the idea of four equal voices and reimagines it for the twenty first century. Their album Empire, honoured with the Dutch Edison Award in the Neoclassical category, showcases the ensemble’s remarkable musical range. Their original compositions blend elements of pop, film music, Americana and electronic music.

Between the musical performances, actor Sebastian Ströbel guides the audience through the evening with a selection of literary texts. Best known for his leading role in the German television series Die Bergretter, he is celebrated for his compelling stage presence and expressive voice. With great narrative power, he builds bridges between music and literature, uniting them into one captivating artistic experience.

The two concerts may be attended separately or experienced together as a double concert. Those who choose the complete programme will enjoy an exceptional musical journey spanning more than two and a half centuries of music history.