editorial
Together with our guest writers, we document the successes of our program recipients and keep you updated with behind-the-scenes insights
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Noack Konzert Returns with “Song & Dance”
After a one-year hiatus, the Noack Konzert returns with Song and Dance, presented by the Hermann Noack Art Foundry in collaboration with the Althafen Foundation. Violinist Jacques Forestier and pianist Boris Kusnezow perform inside the historic Foundry — transforming it into a stage where music and sculpture meet.
Music as Sanctuary in Ochsenhausen
Music as Sanctuary returns this October to the historic Benedictine abbey of Ochsenhausen, transforming its centuries-old halls into a refuge of resilience, dialogue, and hope. Co-presented by the Althafen Foundation, the Jerusalem Music Centre, and the Landesakademie Ochsenhausen, the project uses music as a universal language to bridge divides and foster understanding.
From Catalan heritage to Global Exchange: Marc Migó Cortés
To mark the beginning of its journey, Fundazio Vera Musica-led by composer Marc Migo Cortés, Artist in the Spotlight 2025—hosted an informal inaugural gathering at the Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona. Far from a formal showcase, the event celebrated the spirit of community and shared beginnings that lie at the heart of the Fundacio's mission.
From Mazes to Light: Lera Auerbach's Artistic Universe in Berlin
As the Althafen Foundation’s first Artist in Spotlight, Lera Auerbach illuminated Berlin’s 2024/25 season with her multidisciplinary brilliance. From the Konzerthaus premiere of Labyrinth to the moving Vessels of Light, her work bridged myth, memory, and music. As Ilona Oltuski writes, Auerbach’s artistic universe defies boundaries—offering audiences an immersive journey through sound, poetry, and visual form.
Summer Arts Lounge 2024: Wrapping up three months on the Spree in Friedrichshain
The Althafen Foundation concluded its inaugural summer season with the Summer Arts Lounge 2024, a three-month interdisciplinary festival featuring world-class classical music, jazz, and fine arts. Held in a newly repurposed river-level space in Friedrichshain, the event brought together celebrated artists, ambitious programming, and an international team to establish itself as a significant addition to Berlin’s cultural landscape.
From Nairobi Slums to Global Stages: Zeynep Alpan and Taya König-Tarasevich on Leading a Boot Camp for Ghetto Classics
Both Taya and Zeynep continue to push boundaries in their respective careers while carrying the spirit of Ghetto Classics with them, proving that music education can transform lives, from the slums of Nairobi to the world’s grandest stages.
When One Spotlight Isn't Enough: Lera Auerbach’s Journey as a Renaissance Artist of the 21st Century
With her residency at the Althafen Foundation, Lera Auerbach transitions from her prominent role as a composer, with over 170 works in her catalogue, to embrace new dimensions as a conductor and interdisciplinary artist. Her bold, fearless journey redefines artistic boundaries and serves as a profound source of inspiration for creators across all disciplines.
Unraveling Identities Through Photography: Cezary Rucki on His Journey as the First AHF Graduate Fellow
Cezary reflects on his experiences working with the Ghetto Classics participants, the challenges and rewards of photographing in the slums of Nairobi, and how this project changed his perspective as an artist.
New release: “The Italian Album” by Verità Baroque Ensemble
This new release takes listeners on a deep dive into the opulent world of Italian Baroque music, blending timeless masterpieces with innovative contemporary influences.