MHL Symphony Orchestra
The MHL Symphony Orchestra convenes three times a year for one to two-week working phases. During this time, there are first in section rehearsals, which are led by MHL faculty, symphonic works and opera productions. Under the direction of renowned guest conductors, major symphonic repertoire is undertaken, but also Baroque and contemporary music are performed in the Large Hall of the MHL. For example, Lothar Zagrosek and Ton Koopman have evoked enthusiasm and applause from both participants and audience with their exceptional repertoire.
MHL Choir
MHL Choir productions take place on a project-related basis or at weekly rehearsals spread out throughout the semester. Depending on the program, the MHL Choir performs as an a cappella choir, a chamber choir or a full cast as a symphony choir. In recent years, works by Schütz, Schein and J.S. Bach as well as contemporary works and premieres were brought to the stage. Under the direction of Gerd Müller-Lorenz, some of the works performed were Haydn’s Creation, Britten's War Requiem, Vaughn Williams' Sea Symphony, Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and Les Noces, to name just a few.
MHL Chamber Music Ensembles
At MHL, chamber music is traditionally highly valued and encouraged. As an integral part of the program, chamber music lessons promote the formation of established ensembles to give students experience in all aspects of the playing together. Ensemble can come together that remain together well after one’s studies and ideally make up an integral part of one’s professional life. A prominent example is the Artemis Quartet, which was founded at MHL.
Ensembles and Bands
In several ensembles, MHL meets the demands of the stylistic diversity of a very wide range of genres and music cultures. With nearly every type of instrument, students of all programs can develop proficiency in areas such as gamelan, jazz, free improvisation, rock and pop, soul, klezmer, tango or Brazilian music. Lessons are offered by specialists from a variety of genres. The ensembles include:
With this offer, MHL meets the demand for big band, pop choir and band coaching in schools. When students complement their studies with literature from swing to jazzrock, from gospel to pop through to ethnic songs and combine big band with jazz strings to create PopsOrchestra, then MHL has met the requirements of a future-oriented training for the musical profession. As highlights, at the end each semester, projects such as Anna Margaretha - The Buxtehude Musical, the MHL Century Revue, the MHL-Schlagerrevue or the Workshop of Popular Music take place – all under the responsibility of Bernd Ruf.
