At home in Hamburg: Munich Philharmonic at the Elbphilharmonie

Lahav Shani directs the Munich Philharmonic from the keyboard

Lahav Shani conducts the Munich Philharmonic at the Elbphilharmonie

By Mengguang Huang, 07 February 2026

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“prioritised forward motion and textural transparency over psychological weight”

Reviewed at Elbphilharmonie: Grand Hall, Hamburg on 6 February 2026

Debussy, Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Mozart, Piano Concerto no. 27 in B flat major, K595

Schoenberg, Pelleas und Melisande, Op.5

Munich Philharmonic Orchestra

Lahav Shani, Piano, Conductor

Zubin Mehta brings the Munich Philharmonic to Carnegie Hall for Brahms

Edward Sava-Segal, 3rd February

Yefim Bronfman reunites with his old collaborator for Brahms' First Piano Concerto, reinforcing the qualities that exemplify him as a great chamber music player.

****1

A proficient but flawed opening at Dvořák’s Prague

Frank Kuznik, 8th September

Myung-whun Chung and Pablo Ferrández shine separately, but never quite get on the same page.

***11

Child's play: Crumb and Strauss make unconventional bedfellows

Matthew Rye, 12th November

Zubin Mehta brought together works by George Crumb and Richard Strauss in his latest concert as the Munich Philharmonic's honorary conductor.

****1

Grand Romantic statements from Gergiev at the Enescu Festival

Edward Sava-Segal, 6th September

Two giants of the Romantic repertoire that were met with disdain by Eduard Hanslick at their premieres are given persuasive readings in Bucharest.

****1

Technicolor Shostakovich and Brahms from the Munich Philharmonic

Laurence Vittes, 3rd September

A full frontal assault by Valery Gergiev on Brahms' First Symphony and Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto in explosive performances.

****1

Distinctive Wagner and Brahms from Nelsons and the Munich Philharmonic

Zoltán Szabó, 15th May

In the outstanding acoustics of the Philharmonie im Gasteig, the occasion proved both orchestra and conductor as exceptional interpreters.

*****

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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.