Magdalena Kožená and Alessandro De Marchi bring Italian Folklore to Duisburg


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Italian Sounds and Great Voices at the Mercatorhalle
With the 1st Philharmonic Concert Italian Folklore, the Duisburg Philharmonic opens an evening on September 23, 2026, that artfully connects Italian music history with a look across the Atlantic. At the center are Alessandro De Marchi as Conductor in Residence and mezzosoprano Magdalena Kožená, whose versatility lends the program special brilliance. ([theater-duisburg.de](https://www.theater-duisburg.de/spielplan/kalender/2026-05/philharmonie-mercatorhalle/folklore-italiano/2602/))
A Program Full of Connections and Contrasts
The concert evening leads from Giuseppe Martucci through Ottorino Respighi, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and Alfredo Casella to Nino Rota and Luciano Berio. Particularly the Berio folk songs, originally composed for Cathy Berberian, create an emotional focal point where voice, orchestral colors, and expressiveness come together. ([theater-duisburg.de](https://www.theater-duisburg.de/spielplan/kalender/2026-05/philharmonie-mercatorhalle/folklore-italiano/2602/))
Magdalena Kožená: Experience, Elegance, and Vocal Presence
Kožená is one of the most prominent mezzosopranos of her generation. Her career has taken her from the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg to the great houses and festivals of the world; her discography ranges from baroque opera to French mélodie and has received awards such as the Gramophone Artist of the Year and the Diapason d'Or. This very range gives the concert its special tension between historical depth and immediate live atmosphere. ([kozena.cz](https://www.kozena.cz/en/biography))
Alessandro De Marchi and the Fine Touch on Sound
De Marchi is considered one of the leading specialists in historical performance practice and brings with him an exceptionally well-founded repertoire knowledge. His work at opera houses and festivals in Europe, his award-winning recording of Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito, and his close ties to Mozart, Handel, Monteverdi, and 19th-century music shape a conducting style that focuses on transparency, tension, and stylistic precision. ([alessandro-de-marchi.net](https://www.alessandro-de-marchi.net/biografie.html))
Mercatorhalle: Acoustics, Comfort, and Concert Feeling
The Philharmonie Mercatorhalle provides the perfect setting for this concert experience. The hall is known for its strong acoustics, pathways are barrier-free, wheelchair spaces are available, and access via König-Heinrich-Platz as well as the nearby main train station is very convenient. Additionally, visitors have access to cloakroom service and organized processes depending on the event. ([mercatorhalle.de](https://www.mercatorhalle.de/fuer-besucher/besucherinformationen/))
Conclusion: An Evening for Lovers of Great Voices and Clever Programs
Italian Folklore promises an evening in Duisburg with sensual orchestration, a clear musical profile, and a cast that brings international class to the stage. Anyone who wants to experience art music with emotional directness, Italian sound culture, and a strong singing personality should attend this concert live at the Mercatorhalle. ([theater-duisburg.de](https://www.theater-duisburg.de/spielplan/kalender/2026-05/philharmonie-mercatorhalle/folklore-italiano/2602/))
Official Channels of Magdalena Kožená:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magdalenakozenamezzo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magdalenakozena
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2yRXZPh9RFaK0JNZQW9TQ
- Spotify: https://linktr.ee/magdalena_kozena
- TikTok: No official profile found










