A German Requiem: Diana Damrau & Gerald Finley
The Philharmonia Orchestra charts a journey through grief to hope, in music that has brought solace to generations of listeners.
Brahms’ A German Requiem is the largest-scale work he ever wrote, and arguably the most personal too – begun just a few months after the death of his mother.
Rather than the usual Latin Requiem Mass, Brahms chose to set his own selection of passages from the Bible, in German. His message is one of steadfast faith, and compassion and comfort for those who mourn.
Balancing movements for the full chorus and orchestra with beautiful solos for baritone and soprano, the work culminates in a magnificent choral fugue.
Before singing the soprano solo in Brahms’ masterpiece alongside Grammy Award-winning baritone Gerald Finley, Diana Damrau performs some of her favourite songs by Richard Strauss.
The Philharmonia has a particular affinity for Strauss’ music, stretching back to 1947 when he conducted the orchestra himself. And the ‘natural clarity and sweetness’ (Gramophone) of Damrau’s voice lends itself perfectly to his poignant and expressive vocal writing.
Performers
Philharmonia Orchestra
Simone Young conductor
Diana Damrau soprano
Gerald Finley baritone
Repertoire
Strauss: Intermezzo (Moonlight Music) from Capriccio; Das Rosenband, Op.36 No.1; Ständchen, Op.17 No.2; Freundliche Vision, Op.48 No.1; Zueignung, Op.10 No.1
Interval
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
29 Nov 2026, 3pm
Run time
2 hours (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £17 + £4 booking fee
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
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Multi-buy Autumn/Winter 26/27 discount
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Discounts apply to selected events, September 2026 – January 2027 inclusive. Offer can’t be combined with the Spring/Summer 2026 multi-buy.
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This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
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