Year: 2026

The Classical Music Marathon 2026

Sa. 22.8. Schloss Johannisberg, Emanuel Blumin-Sint, Bassoon, Josefa Schmidt, Piano/Foto: RMF, Ansgar Klostermann

For the 30th time, the Classical Music Marathon once again took its rightful place at this year’s Rheingau Music Festival. As it does every year, the event gives young, up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents to the international music and festival world. Many of the young musicians who made their debuts here have since become international stars. The Rheingau, with its castles and palaces, churches, monasteries, and wineries, is not only considered the home of exquisite wines but, thanks to the festival, also a springboard for great musical careers.

Pianist Josefa Schmidt and bassoonist Emanuel Blumin-Sint kicked off the program with Robert Schuhmann’s “Fantasiestücke, Op. 73.” When Robert Schuhmann Continue reading “The Classical Music Marathon 2026”

A Brilliant Opening with Borodin, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff – Rheingau Music Festival 2026

Hayato Sumino at the piano, Rheingau Music Festival 2026 Opening Concert in Wiesbaden/Photo: Ansgar Klostermann

The second opening concert of the 2026 Rheingau Music Festival, held at the Kurhaus in Wiesbaden, opened with three masterpieces: Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The spotlight was on Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino, who captivated the audience with his virtuosic and poetic interpretation of the Rachmaninoff concerto. Together with the hr Symphony Orchestra, he created an impressive concert experience and a successful start to the new season. Continue reading “A Brilliant Opening with Borodin, Elgar, and Rachmaninoff – Rheingau Music Festival 2026”

Trieste: Elegance and Heritage – A Literary Stroll Through the Former Habsburg Port City

The Palazzo del Municipio (City Hall) of Trieste/foto: Wikipedia/Diego Delso

The city of Trieste has prospered thanks to its geographical location, its port, and the trade relations associated with it. For this reason alone, it was of great importance to the Habsburg Monarchy. To this day, it has lost none of its appeal.

We cross the famous Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia (Square of Italian Unity) and admire both the magnificent buildings surrounding it—the Palazzo del Municipio (City Hall), the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta, and the historic Café degli Specchi (Mirror Café)—as well as the view of the adjacent harbor. Immediately, we feel a sense of harmony—as if we were right in the heart of the city, yet also out on the open sea, riding the waves of the Adriatic. Continue reading “Trieste: Elegance and Heritage – A Literary Stroll Through the Former Habsburg Port City”

Special celebratory images of Lufthansa´s centenary

Global crises, kerosene shortages, and strikes – it’s all coming crashing down on Lufthansa on its 100th anniversary. CEO Carsten Spohr considers dealing with the UFO and VC unions vital for the company’s survival. /Photo: Lufthansa

A five-day strike is a major blow in Lufthansa’s recent history. But that’s not all: The company is also facing its most difficult economic situation since the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the consequences of the Iran-Iraq War are also taking effect: Kerosene is becoming scarce, and there are fierce disputes with the workforce. External and internal turmoil – things couldn’t be worse for Lufthansa.

“Perhaps six weeks or so” is all the aviation fuel in Europe will last, Continue reading “Special celebratory images of Lufthansa´s centenary”

Happy Birthday – Lufthansa turns 100!

The Boeing 787-9 “Berlin” in its anniversary livery/Foto: Lufthansa

On January 6, 1926, 100 years ago, the first “Luft Hansa” was founded, and on April 6 of the same year, it made its maiden flight. This anniversary is not only a look back at the history of one of the most famous brands in aviation, it is also a tribute to the pioneering spirit, innovation, and connection between people, cultures, and economies that has shaped Lufthansa for a century.

The story begins Continue reading “Happy Birthday – Lufthansa turns 100!”