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On March 26, 1925, Pierre Boulez was born in Montbrison, France. A composer fiercely devoted to discovering new and radical ways of expression, he had an equally profound impact on the history of 20th- and 21st-century music as a brilliant conductor, controversial writer, and wise teacher. Our 2024–25 season is dedicated to him—in celebration of his 100th birthday, but also because Boulez’s uncompromising artistic curiosity is at the core of everything we aim to create at the Pierre Boulez Saal, serving both as a model and as a challenge.
With more than 120 concerts and events, the new season offers many opportunities for musical encounters. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey of discovery together with you!
BOULEZ 100
A century after his birth, the music of Pierre Boulez continues to amaze students, scholars, and audiences alike, and it still has secrets to yield. Boulez’s works take center stage this season in a series of concerts that cover a wide range of different formats, from piano recital to string quartet, to large ensemble.
BOULEZ ENSEMBLE
Just like the Pierre Boulez Saal, the Boulez Ensemble embodies flexibility and programmatic openness. In this anniversary season celebrating the visionary artist for whom it was named, the ensemble is led by notable guest conductors to perform some of Boulez’s groundbreaking compositions, making them the starting points for fascinating musical exchanges between the past and the present.
A UNIVERSE OF 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.
IMPROVISED MUSIC
One important rule in improvised music of many different traditions is that there are few strict rules. Each musical moment may be explored and re-explored, leading musicians from the unexpected to the unheard-of. This limitless combination of creative moments is once again a major focus at the Pierre Boulez Saal during the 2024–25 season.
FOCUS JÖRG WIDMANN
Jörg Widmann has stated that for the last few years, he has found a new musical home at the Pierre Boulez Saal and the Barenboim-Said Akademie. We celebrate this extraordinary composer, performer, and mentor in a series of concerts.
BEETHOVEN’S PIANO & VIOLIN SONATAS
For more than 200 years, the music of Ludwig van Beethoven has exerted a unique fascination on audiences as well as performers, for whom this revolutionary classic remains an essential touchstone. Over the course of the 2024–25 season, the composer’s complete violin and piano sonatas will be heard in two concert cycles.
BARENBOIM-SAID AKADEMIE
Between Academy and Werkstatt Concerts with students, talks and lectures as part of the Academy Forum series, and a new edition of the Edward W. Said Days, the academic year of 2024–25 once again offers a range of events juxtaposing musical and nonmusical ideas and thoughts in exciting ways.
GEORGE BENJAMIN
Sir George Benjamin, recipient of the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize, is among today’s foremost musicians and composers. To close the Pierre Boulez Saal season in June 2025, he will appear in multiple artistic capacities: conducting the Boulez Ensemble, performing in a piano duo with Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and during the Open House, which is dedicated to his music.
VOICE
The power of song: Experience the human voice in all its facets and a dozen languages
STRING QUARTET
Four is company: Rising stars and veteran ensembles perform classics and contemporary works
THE OUD
Stringed magic: The queen of Arabic instruments
MUSIC BEFORE 1750
More than historic: Renaissance and Baroque works in an intimate setting
PIANO
From Bach to Boulez: Acclaimed pianists present solo recitals
ELTERNZEIT CONCERTS
“Parental Leave” concerts for visitors with babies aged 12 months and younger
