Classic music on the vineyard: A feast for the ears and palate in Prenzlau!

Classic music on the vineyard: A feast for the ears and palate in Prenzlau!

Last weekend, the idyllic Uckermark was transformed into a mecca for music lovers and wine lovers. Under the name “Klassik am Weinberg” the Prussian Chamber Orchestra Prenzlau (PKO) invited guests to an unforgettable concert that delighted both the ears and the palate of the guests. Aiko Ogata, the PKO's talented concertmaster, took over the organization of this special evening and put together a varied program that left nothing to be desired.

In the first part of the concert, the vineyard was filled with the sounds of folk songs from different regions of Japan, interpreted by the talented musicians Tsuyoshi Moriya, Aiko Ogata, Ruiko Matsumoto and Joanna Maksymowicz-Raczyńska. The audience was invited to wander from one musical station to the next. This unique type of concert ensured that the weather in the form of light rain could not dampen the mood. On the contrary, Joachim K. Schäfer impressed with his performance of the famous chorale “Jesu remains my joy” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantata BWV 147.

From tango to film music

Another highlight of the evening was the rousing performance by Ruiko Matsumoto (cello) and Thomas Paffrath (double bass), who, among other things, performed two tangos by Astor Piazzolla. A string quartet then provided additional musical variety with film music from “Pinocchio” and an arrangement of the Beatles song “Michelle”. During the break, the guests had the opportunity to fortify themselves with wines from winemaker Christian Soyeaux and to socialize in a friendly atmosphere. Networking in particular was a crucial point of the evening for many.

Stefan Zierke, who unfortunately was not there in person, emphasized the importance of the event. In the second part of the concert, the entire orchestra came together and performed Strauss waltzes, polkas as well as works by Shostakovich and Jean-Paul-Egide Martini. The evening ended with the encore “You, you are in my heart”, which caused a sensation both musically and culinary.

The Prussian Chamber Orchestra – A cultural anchor

Since its founding in Prenzlau in 1994, the Prussian Chamber Orchestra has developed into a cultural anchor point in the Uckermark. The ensemble, which includes twelve permanently employed musicians from six nations, not only offers an alternative program to larger orchestras, but is also actively involved in supporting children and young people in daycare centers and schools.

Under the artistic direction of Jürgen Bruns, who has been chief conductor since 2019, the PKO impresses with regular new concert formats and an international orientation. The orchestra works in close collaboration with regional choirs and music colleges and regularly presents guest performances at festivals.

“Klassik am Weinberg” is not only a treat for the ears, but also an example of how important a lively music scene is for the region. Thanks to the commitment of the Prussian Chamber Orchestra, music in the Uckermark is kept highly popular and new impulses are provided. We look forward to further events of this kind and are excited about the next projects of the PKO, which continues to act as a source of ideas and a cultural attraction.

For more information about the Prussian Chamber Orchestra and their exciting programs, visit the website Northern Courier and Uckermark Cultural Agency.