Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle at the Elbphilharmonie

Thomas Hengelbrock conducts the Balthasar-Neumann Choir and Ensemble

By Mengguang Huang, 14 October 2025

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“their intonation precise and phrasing sculpted with Renaissance-like discipline”

Reviewed at Elbphilharmonie: Grand Hall, Hamburg on 14 October 2025

Rossini, Petite messe solennelle

Balthasar-Neumann-Chor

Balthasar-Neumann-Solisten

Emy Gazeilles, Soprano

Eva Zaïcik, Mezzo-soprano

Moritz Kallenberg, Tenor

Guilhem Worms, Bass-baritone

Andreas Küppers, Piano

Christophe Henry, Harmonium

Thomas Hengelbrock, Conductor

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Tristan Labouret, 22nd June

The Canadian director's aesthetic is a perfect fit for Gluck's work. Dazzling performances by Gaëlle Arquez and Stéphane Degout. Great musical direction by Thomas Hengelbrock.

*****

Pathos and wonder: A superb Elijah oratorio in Zurich

Sarah Batschelet, 6th March

Under conductor Thomas Hengelbrock, the Tonhalle Orchester ensemble and 60-voice configuration of the Balthasar Neumann Choir perform the legendary Elijah oratorio at Zurich’s Tonhalle Maag.

*****

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Aksel Tollåli, 17th March

The Balthasar-Neumann-Chor and Ensemble performed a deeply moving, if slightly uneven, St John Passion, setting off the Oslo Church Music Festival.

****1

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Pep Gorgori, 9th February

Having received excellent reviews for his Mahler, Verdi, Wagner and Shostakovich, Pablo Heras-Casado decided to programme a composer he has loved since his youth: Claudio Monteverdi.

****1

Orpheus and Eurydice at Teatro Real

Fernando Remiro, 12th July

Almost 40 years after its première, Pina Bausch's daring reinterpretation of the myth of Orpheus still captivates audiences worldwide. This tanzoper is one of the most accomplished attempts to create a contemporary tragedy, an enthralling reflection on human boundaries and the acceptance of death.

****1

Pina Bausch lives: Orpheus and Eurydice at the Lincoln Center

Stephen Raskauskas, 20th July

Two years after her untimely death, the world is still celebrating of one of the most influential figures of contemporary dance – Pina Bausch.

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Mengguang Huang

Mengguang Huang is a Hamburg-based project manager in the construction industry. With a strong passion for classical music, he was introduced to the world of early music during his time in the UK, where he developed a particular fondness for renaissance and Baroque vocal music. Driven by his love for this genre, he now makes it a priority to attend major Baroque opera productions and concerts across Western Europe whenever possible, continuing to deepen his appreciation for this rich musical tradition.

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