Ludwig van Beethoven [1770 – 1827]
6 Ländler and Coda, WoO 15 for two violins and double bass

Dmitri Shostakovich [1906 – 1975]
Two Pieces for String Quartet

George Antheil [1900 – 1959]
Symphony for Five Instruments [flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, viola] or
“Lithuanian Night”, Six Little Pieces for String Quartet

Aleksey Igudesman [*1973]
“Pictures of an Inhibition” for flute, violin, viola and double bass

Charles Ives [1874 – 1954]
Set of 3 Short Pieces for piano, two violins, two violas, violoncello and double bass

In order to make a living from composing, composers very often had to submit to the ideas of their principals, write commissioned works, and fulfil stylistic or casting requirements. Some, however, did not like this and resisted in their own way. In the last chamber music concert of the 2025/26 season, our academics present works by musical personalities who broke the mould: Ludwig van Beethoven, George Antheil, Dmitri Shostakovich.

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Inspired by productions from the opera repertoire, the orchestra's musicians put together six dramaturgically conceived programmes that are unparalleled in Berlin in terms of their musical range. From solo violin to songs to percussion ensembles, you will experience surprising concerts that are charmingly and knowledgeably moderated by our curating colleagues.