Bringing Brahms to the Barbican

Few orchestras are as deeply steeped in the Brahms tradition as Gewandhausorchester Leipzig – and few venues better equipped for the orchestra’s unique sound than London’s Barbican Centre.

The venerated musicians hosted 13 appearances by the composer, pianist and conductor, including the world premiere of his Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77, on New Year's Day 1879. The Leipzig cradle of classical music inexorably stamped the 19th-century composer's spirited career and eventual breakthrough, ultimately leading to lasting, legendary success. Even today his eminent works form a central pillar of the orchestra's repertoire.

From Leipzig to London with DHL

As Official Logistics Partner to the Gewandhausorchester, DHL helps bring the brilliance of Brahms to the Barbican venue in London, and this year, they’re doing so in an environmentally-friendly way, by using the GoGreen services to offset carbon emissions offsets for the entire tour.

Starting October 22, the orchestra ascends the distinguished stage to perform four concertos, four symphonies and two string quartets. They are joined by prestigious solo artists, including cellist Enrico Dindo and pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Arcadi Volodos. The eight-day extravaganza culminates on October 30 with a performance of Brahms' Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 and the Violin Concerto in D major, featuring star violinist Leonidas Kavakos.

Communicating cultural treasures and tradition to international audiences is a distinctive hallmark of the orchestra's global appearances. The esteemed Barbican is the culture capital's premiere arts, cultural and learning center. Echoing the inventive musical genius attributed to the composer - who boldly weathered the stormy forces vying to advance the musical evolution of his day - the venue has firmly established itself at the cutting edge of contemporary and classical music in London.

Music and education on tour

The Brahms concerts additionally feature interactive sessions with noted musical authorities commenting on the composer's works and his special significance for Leipzig, the city's world-class musicians and Italian conductor Riccardo Chailly. The residency also includes master classes led by Gewandhausorchester Leipzig musicians.

After the action-packed musical infusion in London on October 22 and 23, logistics services partner DHL kicks into gear to deliver more breathtaking Brahms Cycle [o1] performances in Paris before returning the orchestra to London for shows on October 29 and 30. The  Brahms journey continues on with another two-day stopover in Paris, November 1-2, before heading to Vienna, November 2-7.