Thomas Hampson / Rothko String Quartet – Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg

About this event

The US-American singer Thomas Hampson, who has championed the works of African-American composers throughout his life, presents the song cycle "Fields of Wonder" by Robert Owens. This marks the first time the complete cycle is performed at the Elbphilharmonie. The production transforms the traditional song recital format by replacing the standard piano accompaniment with the Rothko String Quartet, augmented specifically for this concert by a double bass. Adding a multidisciplinary dimension to the musical performance, the music is enriched with choreography by Liedstadt Artist-in-Residence Andreas Heise. This integration of dance and movement aims to turn the music into a touching, immediately physical experience. The core cycle is complemented by additional songs from Leonard Bernstein, Florence B. Price, and Margaret Bonds, creating a concert evening of profound emotionality and social relevance.