EVENTS
2025–26 SEASON
HIGHLIGHTS

 

PIERRE BOULEZ SAAL

THE 2025–26 SEASON 

 

Since we opened the Pierre Boulez Saal eight years ago, the world—and our lives—have gone through a series of seismic shifts. Against this background, we may sometimes wonder about the value and impact of art. But art and music are in fact an essential part of our shared humanity, and through them we are connected across time, languages, and cultures.

We invite you to discover more than 120 events in our upcoming season. Featuring music from the 15th century to the present day, performed in a wide range of genres and styles, whether on solo kamancheh or by a full symphony orchestra, these concerts not only reflect the power and incredible diversity of music—they also embody what this hall has stood for from day one: bringing people together, creating a community, and fostering curiosity. We hope you will join us again on this exciting journey. Welcome to our 2025–26 season!

 

Daniel Barenboim President

Ole Bækhøj Intendant

PERSPECTIVES

ON AN INTIMATE SCALE

With its unique architecture and extraordinary acoustics, the Pierre Boulez Saal provides an ideal space to experience small-scale chamber music. The hall’s elliptical shape, with the stage at the center, makes the barrier between musicians and audience disappear, creating a single community. Whether listening to a solo cello with electronics or a traditional trio of horn, violin, and piano, you will be experiencing music up close.

REFRAMING SONG

Lied recitals just aren’t what they used to be. On the contrary: reconceived by creative artists, the tried and trusted dialogue between voice and instrument can become one of the most versatile and innovative formats not only to tell thrilling stories in music, but also to examine and reflect the world we live in through the prism of art.

ACROSS BOUNDARIES

From the very beginning, the Pierre Boulez Saal has been a home for classical chamber music and contemporary works, for music from the Arab and Persian world, and for jazz and improvised music from many different traditions. The 2025–26 season once again offers a range of concerts that cross cultural and geographical boundaries.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

An evening of songs by Olivier Messiaen and American spirituals; a program combining works by Henry Purcell with music by Michael Nyman; a concert for three percussionists or for solo kamancheh—these are all part of the 2025–26 Pierre Boulez Saal season. In challenging our expectations, we broaden our horizons. Join us to discover music you may not have heard before.

THE BOULEZ ENSEMBLE

Just like the Pierre Boulez Saal, the Boulez Ensemble embodies flexibility and programmatic openness. Celebrating the visionary artist for whom it was named, the ensemble is led by notable guest conductors to perform works from the 19th to the 21st centuries, from duo to large ensemble pieces, creating fascinating musical exchanges between the past and the present.

PIANISTS IN DIALOGUE

A solo piano recital can be a thrilling musical experience. This season, however, some of the world’s greatest pianists have chosen to partner with other musicians to present exquisite chamber music programs—including works for four-hand piano and piano duet.

MORE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Sep 2025 – Jun 2026

THE JOURNEY OF INSTRUMENTS

Tracing the influence of the oud: A concert series curated by Naseer Shamma

Oct 24, 28 & Nov 1, 2025

AKADEMIE FÜR ALTE MUSIK BERLIN

A Festival for Emilie Mayer: Rediscovering a Forgotten Composer

Nov 21–23, 2025

THE TALLIS SCHOLARS

Palestrina 500: Celebrating the master of Renaissance polyphony

Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 

SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF

Milestones: Six concerts each dedicated to a single composer

VOICE

The power of song: Experience the human voice in all its facets

STRING QUARTET

Four is company: Rising stars and veteran ensembles perform classics and contemporary works

MUSIC BEFORE 1750

More than historic: Renaissance and Baroque works in an intimate setting

PIANO

From Bach to Boulez: Acclaimed pianists present solo recitals

BARENBOIM-SAID AKADEMIE

Music and more

ELTERNZEIT CONCERTS

“Parental Leave” concerts for visitors with babies

All Events of the 2025–26 Season