Music on Both Sides of the

German music history on either side of the Wall, from the country’s separation to its reunification: with “Music on Both Sides of the Wall”, the Ensemble Modern starts a new focus and concert series as part of “Happy New Ears” today at the Frankfurt Opera. Performances and conversations with contemporary witnesses will trace the developments, differences and communal aspects of music in East and West. The first concert (Sept. 3) juxtaposes ensemble songs by Hanns Eisler, performed by Horst Maria Merz, with works by Karlheinz Stockhausen. Guests include Georg Katzer, a composer and master student of Hanns Eisler, the composer Peter Gotthardt and the music critic Gerhard R. Koch. Heike Hoffmann moderates; Vimbayi Kaziboni conducts.