Heimathafen Neukölln, photo: Verena Eidel / CC
A classical concert in a non-classical setting is just about the right kind of Wow-effect for your brain. The old and the new merge perfectly, creating something that is new. Gone are the times where classical music seemed old, a bit stiff and hard to understand for anyone who is used to the very different scales of, let’s say, mainstream pop. Nowadays, classical music seems to make an Ancora or – dare I say this: was never gone.
The thing that is changing about it though is the setting in which the music vibrates. What other place than progressive Berlin would provide the right kind of locations that frame these melodies from another century in a way that only this century could. See five of the most unusual places to enjoy a classical music concert right after the jump.
Radialsystem V
Let’s start with a venue, that embodies many different events. Radialsystem V offers space for events from the sectors of Politics, Economy and Media and from time to time you can enjoy a classical concert there. In the halls of the former waste water pump station you can listen to music of all sorts and a lot of classical music. Just check out the program and see what you like.
Radialsystem V, Holzmarktstraße 33, 10243 Berlin
photo: Radialsystem V / Reinhard Görner
Piano Salon Christophori
This place seems unusual on the count of how logical it seems: Classical concerts played at the factory where pianos are build. Piano Salon Christophori is exactly this place. By day it repairs and manufactures pianos, by night historical pianos are being played on by amazing musicians. You should really see a concert for yourself in this nice atmosphere. Check out the program here.
Piano Salon Christophori, Uferhallen, Uferstraße 8, 13357 Berlin.
photo: Piano Salon Christophori
Musikbrauerei
There is a hidden gem in the depths of Prenzlauer Berg and it’s an Oldie. In the 120 year old bulding of the former Schneider-brewery it seems as though magical things happen: Exhibitions, video shootings and concerts, of course. We were there the other day, experiencing the first event of Bartók Beyond Borders by ensemble mini that took place in the mysterious arches of Musikbrauerei. Enlightened by many candles, with a spiral stair leading up to the venue the works by the rumanian-hungarian composer of the modern-day filled up the halls. This place is the perfect setting for an intimate night with interesting people, connecting the old and the new. Speaking of connecting: The ensemble mini collective by conductor Joolz Gale gave all of Bartóks works an arabic touch by Syrian composers Shafi Badredding and Zaher Alkaei. After all, Bartók was a refugee himself, back in the day. With this they want to contribute to the cultural integration of refugees and place classical music where it belongs: in the present. Definitely check out their following event on November 17 and 18! It’s absolutely worth it.
Musikbrauerei, Greifswalder Straße 23A, 10405 Berlin.
photo: Bartók Beyond Borders at Musikbrauerei Berlin
Heimathafen Neukölln
This theater collective is organizing a number of events in the historic halls of Neukölln that embody a great mix between readings, Poetry Slams, theater and concerts. There are so many amazing things happening at Heimathafen Neukölln, it’s hard to choose. One of our favorites though are definitely the classical concerts and operas being shown there. Just check out their program here and try to pick one.
Heimathafen Neukölln, Karl-Marx-Straße 141, 12043 Berlin
photo: Heimathafen Neukölln / CC
Yellow Lounge
This last one isn’t so much a location as it is more a special project that deserves your attention. Founded in 2001, the Yellow Lounge made it their mission to bring different aspects of club culture together with classical music. And they are good at it: in -often unusual and special – venues all over the world from London to Sydney and Berlin their events bring people and preferences together. Check out their program here and make sure to pay them a visit some time, wherever they might be at the moment.
photo: Yellow Lounge at Säälchen / Stefan Höderath
If you can think of any other unusual places where you can enjoy a classical concerts, let us know in the comments!