80 years of the end of the war: RUB's festive semester concert on July 10th!

80 years of the end of the war: RUB's festive semester concert on July 10th!

The Music Center of the Ruhr University Bochum is planning a remarkable semester concert that will focus on the events surrounding the end of the Second World War 80 years ago. OnJuly 10, 2025At 8 p.m., a special concert by the choir and orchestra will present a musical program that has both artistic and historical significance. This concert will be part of various projects at the Music Center that commemorate this important historical anniversary. Admission is free, but donations will be collected at the exit after the performance to support the work of the center.

The varied musical program features important works, including Frank Martin's oratorio “In terra pax,” which was premiered shortly after the end of hostilities. Also Dmitri Shostakovich's “9th Symphony”, which in the years1944/45was created, is listed. In addition, “10 Marches to miss victory” by Mauricio Kagel and “Give us peace/Give our princes” by Heinrich Schütz are part of the program. The concert will be directed by Nikolaus Müller, and in addition to the choir and orchestra of the Ruhr University, the Young Choir of the New High School Bochum will also perform.

Performers and soloists

The performance is enriched by a talented ensemble of soloists, including the soprano Julia Sophie Wagner, the contralto Annekathrin Laabs, the tenor André Khamasmie, the baritone Tobias Berndt and the bass Lucas Singer. This interplay of different voices and instruments promises an impressive sound experience that immerses the listener in the eventful time of war and the rebirth of European culture.

Rehearsals for the concert have already begun, and the orchestra will accept new members at the beginning of the semester. Interested musicians can contact: mz-musik@rub.de Register and make an appointment for an audition. There is also a semester project that includes “In terra pax” and the “9th Symphony”. Registrations for this project should be received by:April 5thtake place.

Culture of remembrance and musical engagement

This year's semester concert is not only a musical highlight, but also a contribution to the culture of remembrance in Germany. These cultural projects are part of a broader commitment that the university and other institutions show towards coming to terms with history. The German music history archive in Kassel provides an important context by providing access to important musical sources and thus better documenting the history of music after the Second World War.

Overall, the evening on July 10, 2025 will not only be a celebration of music, but also a reflection on the past, which will become a moving experience through this careful selection of works and the participation of numerous artists.