crescendo — UdK Berlin Music Festival

The Festival of Berlin's Young Music Scene

When the Berlin University of the Arts opens its doors in late spring, one of the capital's most exciting — and most freely accessible — festivals begins: crescendo. The organizer is the Faculty of Music at UdK Berlin, one of Germany's most renowned music universities. Students and faculty present the entire spectrum of their artistic work in over twenty concerts within two weeks — from the opening with the symphony orchestra to chamber music, from jazz (Big Band JIB) to children's concerts under the name "crescendino".

What Makes crescendo Special

Unlike commercial music festivals, crescendo is not about big names and expensive tickets — admission is free, though reservations are recommended. Instead, you'll discover young musicians at the beginning of their international careers, hear experimental programs from the Studio for New Music, and experience chamber music with a density and quality that is otherwise rarely accessible.

Program Pillars

• Symphony Concerts: UdK Symphony Orchestra with works by Shostakovich, Brahms, and others.
• Chamber Music: Piano trios, string quartets, piano duos, wind ensembles
• Jazz: Big Band JIB (Jazz Institute Berlin), combos, jam sessions
• Vocal Music: University Choir, vocal ensembles, song recitals
• New Music: Studio for New Music, often with world premieres
• Children's Concerts: the "crescendino" format with family and school programs
• Special Events: occasional festival concerts in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Joseph Joachim Concert Hall

Venues in Charlottenburg

The main venues are the UdK Concert Hall at Hardenbergstraße 33 and the Joseph Joachim Concert Hall in the Carmerstraße building — both in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. Selected festival concerts take place in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. All venues are within walking distance of each other.

A Berlin Music Tradition

UdK Berlin is the heir to the Academy of Arts founded in 1696 and one of the most important training centers for classical music in Europe. crescendo makes this tradition audible and experienceable for a broad city audience — Berliners and visitors can discover the next generation of the European music scene here in two weeks.