EN
What a captivating concert evening! Together, yet each in their own very personal way, Wilfried Hiller, contemporary composer; Larissa Richter, pianist and composer; and Anna-Lena Elbert, soprano, cast a spell over the audience.
Hiller opened the evening with an introduction enriched by anecdotes — some connected to Kempten, others recounting his encounters with Michael Ende, with whom he and his wife, Elisabet Woska, shared a close friendship. This is how "Trödelmarkt der Träume" came to be: written by Michael Ende for Elisabet Woska, set to music by Wilfried Hiller, and premiered in 1984 at Munich’s Gasteig. For over 17 years, the piece has been regularly performed.
Larissa Richter and Anna-Lena Elbert, both of whom work closely with Hiller, brought the protagonists of the songs and ballads back to life. With sensitivity, expressive storytelling, and flawless performance, they portrayed the scenes with great nuance. The soprano’s crystal-clear voice, accompanied by the pure tone of the piano, transported the audience into a realm of dreams.
A special encore crowned the close of the concert: a four-handed boogie by Wilfried Hiller and Larissa Richter, originally composed for his children’s opera "Tranquilla Trampeltreu" with text by Michael Ende.
In a familiar and intimate circle after the official program, Wilfried Hiller shared stories from the 16 years during which he studied with Carl Orff and worked closely alongside him — right up until Orff’s death.
A true highlight in the annual cycle of the Stadtstadel.
Photographer: Nathalie Dennenmoser