Since the 2019/2020 season, Thomas Hengelbrock and his Balthasar Neumann Ensembles are deeply rooted in the cultural life of the City of Hamburg with their own concert series. Thanks to the support of the City of Hamburg and in cooperation with HamburgMusik, the St. Pauli Theater and other institutions, the Ensembles could strengthen their presence in Hamburg. In the 2021/2022 season, their concerts lead them to different venues – the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle among others.

“The Balthasar Neumann Choir and Ensemble have shown in their way of dealing with the COVID19 pandemic, that not only their musical work is characterized by innovation and creativity. I am very happy about the prospect of experiencing once more the exceptional quality of Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Ensemble in concert here in Hamburg in the upcoming season. 
Dr. Casten Brosda, senator of the office for culture and media

After the Corona pandemic brought musical life to a standstill for long months, the Balthasar Neumann ensembles were already back on the concert stages in the summer of 2020. Thanks to their own safety and health protocol, which was based on regular PCR tests of all participants and a strict group quarantine, more than 15 projects could be realised in the 2020/2021 season despite lockdowns and travel restrictions – and that with freelance musicians from over 25 different nations without distance on stage.

For all projects, they found an invaluable partner: The Hamburg laboratory Dr. Heidrich & Kollegen. The cooperation made it possible that all participating musicians could get tested several times for the rehearsals and concerts which enabled playing and singing without distance, but with highest security and safety standards. Since the resumption of activities in summer 2020, there has not been a single incident of infection in the projects.

We would like to thank Dr. Heidrich and his team for joining us in this partnership without any hesitation. With their help, they are granting a relevant and generous contribution, so that we can make music again.