To mark the 100th birthday of the Westphalian composer Hans Werner Henze (1926–2012), the Institute for Cultural Affairs of the City of Recklinghausen will host a series of concerts and events in a variety of formats in the fall of 2026.

Under the title “Henze Einhundert,” 14 events—held in Recklinghausen, Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, Münster, and other locations—will explore various aspects of the composer’s work, which will be presented in the context of his era, artistic influences, and sociopolitical references.

A key feature of the series is the collaboration between established artists and outstanding ensembles of the younger generation. This curatorial approach not only ensures the highest quality of performance but also fosters dialogue between the generations and opens up new perspectives on Henze’s work.

 

The series kicks off with “Undine.”