When does the choral concert take place?

The concert takes place on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Where does the event take place?

The venue is the Rudolf-Oetker-Halle, Lampingstraße 16, 33615 Bielefeld.

Is there a concert introduction?

Yes. The concert introduction with Laura Herder begins at 7:15 PM in the foyer.

What do the tickets cost?

Tickets are available from 10 euros. Other regular price categories cost 23, 29, or 33 euros; discounts are available.

Who is participating in the concert?

The program features the Oratorio Choir Bielefeld, the children's choir, the Bielefeld Philharmonic, as well as Nienke Otten, Geneviève Tschumi, Michael Pflumm, and Anton Haupt under the direction of Hagen Enke.

Francis of Assisi becomes audible: Suter's grand choral concert touches Bielefeld

Name: Choral Concert: The Praises of Saint Francis of Assisi
Start: 2026-10-30T20:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-10-30T22:00:00+01:00
Location: Rudolf-Oetker-Halle

A resonant remembrance of Francis of Assisi

On Friday, October 30, 2026, Hermann Suter's oratorio The Praises of Saint Francis of Assisi op. 25 will sound in the Rudolf-Oetker-Halle Bielefeld. The choral concert commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and is dedicated to his famous Canticle of the Creatures.

Late Romantic sound richness and spiritual depth

Suter's composition combines powerful choral scenes with radiant orchestral passages and intimate, contemplative moments. Choir, soloists, children's choir, organ, and orchestra unfold a colorful orchestration in which musical opulence meets deeply felt devotion. The music leads from luminous sound splendor to quiet, floating moments and paints a multifaceted portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi's connection to nature.

Oratorio Choir and Bielefeld Philharmonic

For the stage performance, the Oratorio Choir Bielefeld, the children's choir, and the Bielefeld Philharmonic unite. Under the direction of Hagen Enke, Nienke Otten, Geneviève Tschumi, Michael Pflumm, and Anton Haupt will take on the solo parts. The Rudolf-Oetker-Halle provides a concert hall with outstanding acoustics for this large-scale work, where choral sound, orchestral colors, and organ registers impressively intertwine.

Concert introduction before the concert

Already at 7:15 PM, a concert introduction with Laura Herder begins in the foyer. The concert will follow at 8:00 PM. The program provides direct access to Suter's musical language and the historical as well as spiritual background of the Canticle.

An extraordinary concert experience in Bielefeld

The audience's mood that evening will thrive on the tension between monumental sound power and concentrated calm. Those who appreciate sacred music, grand choral symphonies, and rarely performed repertoire will experience an intense concert event in Bielefeld, filled with light, resonance, and emotional depth.

The concert awaits its visitors with a colorful work from the early 20th century, outstanding solo voices, and the combined strength of the choir, children's choir, and orchestra. Secure your place and experience The Praises of Saint Francis of Assisi live in the Rudolf-Oetker-Halle.