festival rainy days 2023

«Memory»

16.–19.11.2023

The festival rainy days presents a kaleidoscope dedicated to «Memory» under the artistic leadership of Catherine Kontz.

You don’t have to be a passionate player of card-matching games to know how memory can deceive us. And yet – or perhaps for that very reason – it is our memory that shapes us as individuals, making the exchange or transfer of memories essential for society and its development. Indeed discussions around memory and memories have recently been picked up by many academic disciplines, especially the social sciences. According to medical and psychological research, the arts and the way they are received by the public would be unthinkable without our capacities for memory. No wonder that memory itself has become an increasingly important focus for the arts. Could there be a better theme for the first edition of the festival rainy days under the leadership of composer Catherine Kontz?

A kaleidoscopic exploration of the theme invites the audience to experience contemporary music in its entire breadth between 16 and 19 November. All the Philharmonie’s venues will open up, allowing resounding histories, personal stories, fragmented recollections and tattered reminiscences to communicate and relate to one another. From artists who have reached iconic status, such as Morton Feldman and Christian Wolff, to a broad range of young composers, the programme includes both traditional musical instruments as well as tape machines and fog horns, conventionally notated music and improvisation. The festival’s Sunday offerings are specially designed for adventurous families.

Four days of new music featuring a multitude of insights and perspectives and different compact formats – appealing to experts and also to those who are simply curious and would like a first taste of what is happening in the world of musical creation – aesthetic experiences for the here and now, as well as nourishment for your own personal memory!