The much-anticipated world premiere of Jörg Widmann​’s latest composition, Cantata in tempore belli, is about to take place at the completely sold-out Elbphilharmonie Hamburg on 2 February 2025, followed by a second performance on 3 February 2025. It will be premiered by Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg under the baton of Kent Nagano. Jörg Widmann composed this 45-minute work for him as a special farewell to honour his final season in Hamburg. 

The soloist is the alto Ida Aldrian, and the German actor Jens Haand Rzer takes on the role of the narrator. The highly significant title mirrors the numerous armed conflicts worldwide. Entirely dedicated to the spirit of his new work and living the title to the letter, Jörg Widmann travelled to Ukraine to rehearse with the performing Choir of Liatoshynskyi Capella in Kyiv in mid-January 2025.