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Darmstadt's city center church invites you to three special cultural events
In May 2025, the Catholic city center church of St. Ludwig will present an impressive series of cultural events that uniquely combine music, literature, and the culture of remembrance. On three Saturday evenings, different artistic themes will take center stage – all with free admission and a clear thematic focus.
Commemoration of the end of the war on May 10th
The series begins on Saturday, May 10, at 6 p.m. with an interdisciplinary evening commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, entitled “…that we are not completely finished .” The event combines eyewitness accounts, literary reflections, and organ music, exploring the themes of destruction and new beginnings. Dr. Bruno Arich-Gerz will give an introductory talk, followed by a concert reading with actor Christian Klischat. Jorin Sandau will provide musical accompaniment on the organ. The selection of texts was made by Dr. Sonja Petersen and Dr. Annette Wiesheu.
Organ concert with audience participation on May 24th
On Saturday, May 24, at 6 p.m., an organ concert will be given by the award-winning basilica cantor Alexander Grün. The program includes his own arrangements of Maurice Ravel's Tombeau de Couperin as well as free improvisations on melodies suggested by the audience. An introductory talk with Alexander Grün and regional cantor Jorin Sandau will take place 5:30 p.m.
Chamber music with reference to Liszt and Bach on May 31st
The series concludes on Saturday, May 31, at 6 p.m. with a concert by the Freiburg chamber music ensemble ArcoIris. Under the direction of Johannes Opfermann, they will perform works by Franz Liszt and Johann Sebastian Bach. The centerpiece of the program is Liszt's organ work " Weinen, Klagen" (Weeping, Lamenting), inspired by Bach's cantata of the same name. The program is complemented by further choral and organ compositions by the two Weimar composers.
Admission to all events is free ; donations to support church music at St. Ludwig are welcome.
Further information is available from the parish office or the church music department at St. Ludwig.
Cover photo: Tabea Malluschke
