Gummersbacher Philharmoniker — Concert VISION

Who are the Gummersbacher Philharmoniker?

The Gummersbacher Philharmoniker are the largest and most ambitious amateur orchestra in the Oberberg region. Over 80 musicians play under the direction of conductor Karsten Dobermann in a symphonic ensemble — strings, winds, percussion, sometimes choir. Most have day jobs and meet in the evenings for rehearsals. However, the result is consistently professional enough to fill Halle 32 twice in a row.

VISION — the 2026 Program

The program title is „VISION — Classic meets Rock & Pop“. The scope: Classics of the symphonic repertoire alongside arrangements of rock and pop hits — from film soundtracks to classic pop songs from several decades. The exact selection of works remains under wraps until the premiere, but the concept is proven: the orchestra works with grand arcs that are intended to captivate the audience from beginning to end.

Alexandra Selbach — The Voice

The soloist for both concert evenings is singer Alexandra Selbach, an established voice in the Oberberg music scene. Her repertoire ranges from classical music (opera, oratorio) to soul and pop standards — perfect for a program that embraces all styles without hesitation.

Two Evenings, Both at 8 PM

The concert takes place on two consecutive evenings: Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, and Thursday, May 21st, 2026, starting at 8 PM each day in the Halle 32 Gummersbach. Experience from previous years shows: Both evenings usually sell out quickly. Those who want a seat should arrive early.

Free Admission — Yet High Quality

The most unusual aspect of this event: Despite 80 musicians and a large stage, admission is free. The Gummersbacher Philharmoniker are financed through donations, sponsors, and membership fees — a cultural philosophy that is widely supported in the Oberberg region. A collection at the exit is nevertheless gladly appreciated.

Halle 32 — Gummersbach's Cultural Center

The Halle 32 on Kaiserstraße is a converted industrial hall that has served as a cultural center for years — concerts, theater, readings, exhibitions. The acoustically optimized hall offers around 1,000 seats, which are tight for an 80-piece orchestra. Gummersbach itself, with a population of just under 50,000, is the district town of the Oberbergischer Kreis — and, with the Philharmoniker, an example that the Bergisches Land region has more culture to offer than the big city scene of Düsseldorf often assumes.