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The motto "Moving the world with music" shaped concerts from bel canto to swing
DARMSTADT – Under the motto "Moving the world with music," the Darmstadt Residence Festival 2025 attracted numerous visitors to the city's historical sites. Despite a cool start, the festival developed into a series of captivating and moving concerts, culminating in a finale under the summer heat.
The opening concert in the courtyard of the regional government building, featuring the Celtic Escapades from Ireland, provided a lively start. This was followed by concerts from the Swedish a cappella boy band Ringmasters, the ensemble The Erlkings performing Schubert and Schumann, the recorder quartet Flautando Köln, and the PHANTASM Viol Consort.
At Mathildenhöhe, the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra the audience with Charleston rhythms from the 1920s, accompanied by the dance group Sunny Side Swing. Sandie Wollasch & SPARK provided an energetic crossover performance.
A highlight was the Italian Opera Night with the Darmstadt Concert Choir, the Darmstadt Court Orchestra, and international soloists under the direction of Wolfgang Seeliger. Around 1,000 guests enjoyed an evening filled with bel canto.
The matinee with Ukrainian soprano Nadiia Scheremetieva and the ensemble Al Watan impressively demonstrated how music builds bridges between cultures.
Artistic Director Wolfgang Seeliger summarized: “Music can move people – in the mind, in the heart and even on the dance floor. It connects people and allows them to experience how vibrant cultural exchange is.”
He also thanked the numerous volunteers, sponsors and patrons whose support made the festival possible despite increased costs.
Further information can be found at www.residenzfestspiele.de .
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Photos: Nikolaus Heiss
