Carnegie Hall Concert: Andrej Hermlin and his Swing Dance Orchestra at Philharmonie Berlin

About the Event

Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Berlin's breathtaking Philharmonie Berlin for the ultimate concert set to awake your understanding of swing.

On 16 January 1938, Benny Goodman gave the concert of his life when his orchestra played at New York's famous Carnegie Hall. It was the first performance by a jazz group in a concert hall otherwise reserved for classical music, and caused quite a stir at the time. Andrew Hermlin, with his Swing Dance Orchestra and soloists Rachel (vocals) and David (drums) Hermlin, brings perhaps the most famous concert in jazz history to the stage in faithful detail, more than 80 years after the legendary performance. Clarinettist James Scannell has been invited as a guest star. Roland Neffe will play vibraphone.

Philharmonie Berlin
The Philharmonie is a concert hall opened in 1963 in West Berlin. It is considered the musical heart of the German capital, as well as the new urban centre after the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall. Its distinctive bright yellow exterior and unusual tent‐like shape quickly made it a city landmark. The surprising design and architecture were initially viewed negatively by many, but the Philharmonie is now considered a model for concert halls worldwide. The architect, Hans Scharoun, aimed to design a concert hall in which the focal point — the musicians on the concert platform — is equally visible from every seat, an aim that gave rise to the hall's unusual shape. Since its inauguration, the Berliner Philharmonie has hosted numerous concerts, often featuring acclaimed soloists and conductors.