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Tue 19:00 06.01. 2026
TUE 06.01.2026 | 19:00

»Music for 18 Musicians«

Philharmonie.7 – Eine Stunde (R)auszeit

Steve Reich's sound universe live: hypnotic, electrifying, unforgettable

Steve Reich's »Music for 18 Musicians« is a key work of minimal music. Reich created this kaleidoscopic sonic cosmos for strings, woodwinds, xylophones, pianos, and voices – an electrifying one-hour sound experience, presented by the all-star band of Ensemble Modern.

More than 100,000 copies of the first recording of  »Music for 18 Musicians« with »Steve Reich and Musicians« sold in 1978: people went crazy for it. But it wasn't until 20 years after its premiere in New York that the piece came to Europe, where Ensemble Modern rehearsed it – in close collaboration with the composer. Reich hadn't written a full score, and the parts were available only in shorthand. This led to a close relationship between Steve Reich and Ensemble Modern, and to this day, the musicians remain experts in his fascinating music.

About this event

Programme
  • Steve Reich
    Music for 18 Musicians
    für Ensemble, alle Stimmen und Instrumente verstärkt
Artists
  • Ensemble Modern
  • Synergy Vocals
  • Caroline Jaya-Ratnam
    soprano
  • Micaela Haslam
    soprano
  • Amanda Morrison
    soprano
  • Heather Cairncross
    alto
Promoter: KölnMusik

Tickets

Price € 12.- to 29.-

Part of the subscription series

Visitor information

Date
Tue 06.01.2026
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House opening
18:00
Start
19:00
Venue
Kölner Philharmonie
Location
Bischofsgartenstraße 1
50667 Köln
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