Gala Concert Mozartchor — Gilles Apap

Gilles Apap — A Violinist Who Crosses Borders

Gilles Apap is a French violinist of Algerian origin, internationally renowned for his unusual musical breadth. He has performed as a classical concert violinist with major orchestras — the Berlin Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic — while simultaneously developing a deep connection to the folklore of several cultures. His playing style combines classical repertoire with improvisation, jazz elements, and world music. His appearance in “Mozart in Vienna” — a famous Hilary Hahn film — garnered international attention.

“Colors of Invention” Quartet

Apap performs with his quartet “Colors of Invention” — a formation that programmatically carries the musical concept of diversity in its name. The quartet plays classical repertoire and integrates it with the folk music traditions of various cultures. The Speyer concert is part of a tour and offers a cross-section of the formation's repertoire.

2026 Program

The program includes works from the classical repertoire and folk music. Vivaldi: Works by the Italian Baroque master, presumably from “The Four Seasons” or other violin concertos. Ravel: French sound art of the early 20th century. Kreisler: Viennese salon pieces by the violin master Fritz Kreisler. De Falla and Sarasate: Spanish Romanticism. In addition, there is folk music from Ireland (Reels, Jigs), Hungary (Czardas), Romania (Doinas), USA (Bluegrass), and Brittany (Gavottes, An Dro).

Dreifaltigkeitskirche as a Concert Venue

The venue is the Dreifaltigkeitskirche Speyer — one of the city's most important concert churches, alongside the Imperial Cathedral. The Baroque church from the 18th century is known for its murals and for acoustics that particularly suit chamber music formats. It frequently hosts classical concerts and religious-spiritual events.

Mozartchor Speyer as Organizer

In addition to the annual Mozart birthday concert, the Mozartchor Speyer e.V. also organizes other concert formats that enrich Speyer's musical landscape. The gala concert with Gilles Apap is one such format — not a classical Mozart concert, but a gala event that broadens the repertoire and brings star soloists to Speyer.