Alessandro De Marchi and Magdalena Kožená bring Italian Folklore to Duisburg


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An Italian concert evening full of sounds and historical depth
With Italian Folklore, the Duisburg Philharmonic opens its new season at the Mercatorhalle Philharmonie with a program that elegantly brings together musical tradition, stylistic sophistication, and powerful voices. On September 23, 2026, an evening in Duisburg will re-examine Italian music history with American connections.
A program that makes stories audible
The centerpiece of the evening will be the Folk Songs by Luciano Berio, composed for Cathy Berberian and to this day a prime example of compositional complexity, vocal color art, and sensitive orchestration. The Duisburg Philharmonic thus relies on a repertoire that does not set folk music, modernity, and expressiveness against each other but instead brings them into a rich dialogue.
Magdalena Kožená as the vocal main figure
The Czech mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená takes on the vocal part and brings her internationally acclaimed experience from Baroque, art song, and contemporary repertoire. Her biography is closely linked to major institutions, renowned conductors, and multiple award-winning recordings; this mix of stylistic security and stage presence promises an intense live experience. Her voice shapes not only melodies but also characters, colors, and atmospheres.
Alessandro De Marchi and the red thread of the season
Alessandro De Marchi shapes the evening as Conductor in Residence with his proven instinct for historical contexts and tonal precision. The Italian conductor is one of the leading specialists in Baroque, Mozart, and the classical core repertoire; at the same time, he opens the view for unexpected connections between Italian music, history of exile, and American reception. This is precisely where this concert gains its special tension.
Mercatorhalle: Acoustics, atmosphere, and comfortable concert visit
The Mercatorhalle Duisburg is considered an acoustically convincing concert venue with a central location at König-Heinrich-Platz. The main train station is within walking distance, the subway stops right at the door, and there is parking available in the building complex. At the same time, the venue points out limited parking options due to current construction work and recommends early arrival. Barrier-free access, elevators, and wheelchair spaces ensure a comfortable visit.
Fans' voices
The response to such concert evenings is often unequivocal: On Instagram and Facebook, classical music fans rave about the mix of richness in detail, stage presence, and emotional impact. Especially with a program like Italian Folklore, anticipation grows for a performance that combines musical precision and immediate live atmosphere.
Conclusion: An evening for explorers and classical music lovers
Italian Folklore promises a stylish season opening in Duisburg with tonal elegance, vocal brilliance, and an unusually intelligently curated program. Those who love Italian music, strong interpretations, and the special aura of a grand concert hall should not miss this date and experience the live event at the Mercatorhalle themselves.
Official channels of Magdalena Kožená:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee
Official channels of Alessandro De Marchi:
- X: https://www.x.com/AndreaDeMarchi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreademarchi.eu
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AndreaDeMarchi










