When twelve top cellists from the world-famous Berliner Philharmoniker take the stage together, you’re in for a treat. For over fifty years, the ensemble, founded in 1972, has been captivating audiences worldwide with a mix of classical masterpieces, exhilarating tangos, romantic chansons, cinematic melodies, and repertoire written especially for them. Their sound is instantly recognizable: twelve cellos that together create a vibrant, warm, and colorful sound, but can also deliver a powerful performance when the music demands it. On October 29th, the Berliners will come to Groningen to take you on a fascinating journey through celloland.

As cultural ambassadors for their city, the 12 Cellists have performed during various state visits. Their CDs regularly appear in international charts and were awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik Award in 2001, 2005, and 2017, the forerunner of the Opus Klassik Award, one of the most important German classical music prizes. Contemporary composers such as Brett Dean, Tan Dun, Jean Françaix, Sofia Gubaidulina, Arvo Pärt, Wolfgang Rihm, Kaija Saariaho, and Pēteris Vasks have written works specifically for the company. This gives the ensemble an unparalleled repertoire.

The program these cello giants bring to De Oosterpoort perfectly showcases the breadth of their musical horizons. The French refinement of Jean Francaix, the chansons of Michel Legrand and Edith Piaf, a powerful new work by cello icon Giovanni Sollima, a hypnotic classic by John Adams, a melancholic waltz by Dmitri Shostakovich, the swinging American glamour of George Gershwin, thrilling James Bond music: all this and more is wrapped in the rich sound of the cello.