The city of Dresden, once considered the cultural jewel of Germany, suffered immense losses during the devastating bombings of February 13–15, 1945.

Eighty years later, with Dresden fully restored to its former glory, this somber anniversary will be marked by one of the most anticipated concerts of the season at the Dresden Philharmonie. On February 13, 2025, an emblematic work will be performed under the baton of Sir Donald Runnicles: Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. This masterpiece has been premiered in 1962 for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral (also severely damaged during World War II). Deeply anti-militarist, Britten envisioned uniting three singers from different nations—Russian soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, English tenor Peter Pears, and German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau—to symbolize reconciliation. Following in their footsteps, Sara Jakubiak, Thomas Atkins, and Russell Braun will take the stage on February 13 to embody renewal, hope, and peace.

To see this concert event, click here!

Dresde après le bombardement de 1945 – c – Richard Peters