On 24 May 2026, Josep Pons and the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie bring their programme Die Welt von Gestern (“The World of Yesterday”) to the NOSPR Concert Hall in Katowice, Poland. Following its performances in Germany, the project begins its international journey with an appearance at one of Europe’s leading concert venues.
Inspired by Stefan Zweig’s memoir of the same title, the programme evokes the extraordinary cultural richness of early twentieth-century Europe, a period of remarkable artistic creativity interrupted by the upheavals that transformed the continent. It brings together composers whose contrasting musical languages emerged from this shared historical landscape.
The concert opens with Ferruccio Busoni’s Berceuse élégiaque, a work of remarkable delicacy and expressive depth that anticipates many of the musical developments of the twentieth century.
Violinist Arabella Steinbacher then performs Alban Berg’s Violin Concerto, one of the masterpieces of the twentieth-century repertoire. Dedicated “To the Memory of an Angel”, the work combines twelve-tone technique with profound lyricism and spiritual intensity.
The second half features Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 4, one of the supreme achievements of the Romantic symphonic tradition. Its architectural mastery, contrapuntal richness and restrained dramatic power provide a compelling conclusion to a programme exploring one of the most fascinating periods of European cultural history.
The performance in Katowice further strengthens the international profile of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie during Josep Pons’s first complete season as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director while confirming the orchestra’s commitment to Central European repertoire and artistic excellence.
The concert takes place at the home of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading musical institutions thanks to its outstanding orchestra and internationally acclaimed concert hall.