Oratorio Concert 2026 - Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major / Dvorák: Mass in D major

Saturday, 12 September at 19:00 - this year's oratorio concert takes place at the Rellinger Barockkirche. The programme features Johannes Brahms's Violin Concerto in D major and Antonín Dvořák's Mass in D major.

Brahms's Violin Concerto is among the most celebrated works of its kind, combining tonal beauty with virtuosity in a distinctive way. Dvořák's Mass is a so-called "Missa brevis" ("short mass"), composed to fit within the time frame of a church service. Dvořák set the liturgical texts in his characteristic, melodic and warm musical language. The music speaks in two directions: God is addressed directly in prayer with gratitude and petition, while listeners receive comfort, courage and a sense of shelter.

Brahms and Dvořák were close friends, and that bond is reflected in their music. Jonas Rölleke plays the solo violin. The Rellinger Kantorei provides the choral singing, with selected orchestral musicians accompanying.