Ray Chen Shines at Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival Opening
A stellar performance by Ray Chen, the Taiwanish-Australian violinist, launched the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in Lübeck, Germany, captivating audiences with a program featuring both Mendelssohn and Bruckner.
The prestigious Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival commenced with a sold-out concert at the music and congress hall in Lübeck. Chen stepped in as a soloist at short notice, replacing pianist Khatia Buniatishvili who was forced to cancel due to illness. He delivered a compelling rendition of Felix Mendelssohn’s violin concerto, alongside Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7, performed by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach. The concert is scheduled for a repeat performance on Sunday, with Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther expected to attend.
Chen, born in Taiwan in 1989, received a resounding ovation from the audience, who were visibly moved by his artistry. One attendee remarked that his technique was breathtaking, with “his fingers and bow seeming to fly over the strings.” The instrument Chen played held particular significance: a 1714 Stradivari violin, generously provided by the Nippon Music Foundation.
This year’s festival boasts a unique thematic focus on the musical landscape of Istanbul, Turkey, and will prominently feature the work of pianist and composer Fazil Say. Say is slated to curate 17 concerts showcasing his compositions and artistic vision. The festival’s expansive program includes a total of 203 concerts across 71 venues in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, northern Lower Saxony, and southern Denmark, extending through August 31. Complementing the main program are five “music festivals in the country,” two dedicated children’s music festivals, and the “shipyard summer” event at the Gollan Kulturwerft in Lübeck.
The festival operates on a substantial budget of approximately 14.5 million euros, with nearly 1.2 million euros in funding provided by the state of Schleswig-Holstein. This investment underscores the region’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene and supporting world-class musical events.
