Philippe Herreweghe and the the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées

In Herreweghe's interpretation, Bruckner's symphonies appear amazingly modern - and no less monumental, since this is part of their nature. But there is one monumentality which seals itself off hermetically and instils fear, and another which astonishes and invites. Herreweghe's interpretation makes the heart of the works audible; it erects as it were, Bruckner's symphonic buildings not only out of solid, impermeable stone, but also from transparent glass; particularly in the eighth symphony, with its changes in timbre and its at times bold sound layerings - at the end all of the major themes appear simultaneously - he conveys a subtly diversified experience of sound and structure. This interpenetration of air and light suits particularly this most "German" of Bruckner's symphonies.

The Berliner Festspiele bring together a seemingly endless variety of arts and culture under one roof each year in Berlin. It was founded in West Berlin in 1951. Throughout the year, festivals, program series, and individual events enrich the cultural scene of the city. The festivals include performances of music, theater, dance, and literature.