COURAGE TO SHAPE UTOPIA | Workshop Nr. 3
05. May 2026
#residency #utopia #tonali
Working towards the 3rd Social Symphony: A Week Full of Sound, Ideas, and Community
The 1:1 CONCERTS residency at TONALi in Hamburg is entering its next crucial phase - and it’s becoming increasingly tangible: the 3rd Social Symphony is taking shape.
After two intensive working phases (Workshop 1 and Workshop 2), the end of April was dedicated to concrete artistic development. Several consecutive workshop days significantly intensified the process - musically, physically, and collectively.
"Either you play or you dance" - ein spontan entstandenes Motto der sozialen Symphonie
April 25: Musical impulses with the asambura ensemble
The week began with a workshop led by Maximilian Guth from the asambura ensemble. Together with the TONALi Academy musicians, he worked on conceptual and structural ideas for the Social Symphony.
A special outlook: nine musicians from the ensemble will join the TONALi Academy students and Hamburg school children on stage at the Elbphilharmonie on July 3. The collaboration with asambura has already begun - with artistic exchange, new perspectives and music visions.
April 26: Concept, sound, and kulning
The following day, the 1:1 CONCERTS team was also present at the TONALi campus. In a joint workshop, the conceptual work was further deepened: individual pieces were rehearsed, transitions discussed, and dramaturgical ideas refined. It is becoming increasingly clear how the different elements of the symphony are coming together - what began as a vision is now taking on a concrete form.
Anhand eines maßstabsgetreuen Modells der Bühne haben wir den Ablauf der Sozialen Symphonie innerhalb des Raums entworfen und visualisiert
Die Akademist*innen Ipek Atila und Daniel Calvo Valcárcel spielen vor der "Konzeption-Wand"
A special highlight of the day was the kulning workshop with Sia Liebermann. Together with eight singers from Hamburg, participants immersed themselves in this archaic Scandinavian vocal technique. Many described the experience as powerful, liberating, and deeply connective. Kulning will become part of the Social Symphony - as a sonic and emotional resonance space.
April 27: First rehearsal at the Elbphilharmonie
A milestone: the first rehearsal at the Elbphilharmonie.
The hall - impressive, open, and challenging - became a field of experimentation. Together, the group tested sequences, explored sound effects, and tried out the dramaturgy within the give space. Between focused work and playful exploration, an initial sense emerged of how the Social Symphony can unfold in this unique venue.
Die erste aufregende Probe in der Elbphilharmonie
Christian und Franziska leiteten die Probe in der Elbphilharmonie mit Impulsen, Ideen und Feedback
Akademistin Henrike Henoch prüft die Akustik im Großen Saal
In the afternoon, work continued at the TONALi campus: lighting designer Arnaud Poumarat introduced the Academy students to the world of light. He demonstrated how light does not merely illuminate, but also shapes, structures, and creates atmosphere.
Impulse vom Lichtdesigner Arnaud Poumarat
The day ended in motion: together, we developed a short choreography that will be part of the performance - a physical expression of what is emerging musically.
April 29: Working with 70 students
The intensive week concluded with a session involving around 70 school children. Together, the sequence of the symphony was rehearsed, movements were practiced, and the choreography was introduced. The encounter with the students brought a new dynamic to the process - direct, vivid, and full of energy.
A process in motion
These days were full, demanding, and at the same time incredibly enriching. Between musical precision, physical experience and collective creativity, something has emerged that goes far beyond a traditional concert format. With renewed energy and fresh impulses, the project is now entering its final phase - leading up to the performance of the 3rd Social Symphony on July 3 at the Elbphilharmonie. We are excited to continue this journey.
