MaerzMusik Festival Opens with Piece for 50 Pianos - Berlin's MaerzMusik opens with 50 pianos in a radical sonic experiment
Berlin's MaerzMusik festival has begun with a bold new work by composer Georg Friedrich Haas. The opening performance, 11,000 Strings, features 50 pianos played by 50 musicians in an immersive setup. Running until March 29, the festival will also showcase legendary artist Meredith Monk and a closing sound installation at Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
The festival's first piece, 11,000 Strings, takes inspiration from a piano factory in Ningbo, China. There, newly built pianos are automatically played around the clock to test their sound. Haas reimagined this concept by arranging 50 pianos in a circle around the audience at MaHalla in Oberschöneweide. Each pianist follows precise instructions delivered through synchronised tablets.
Among the festival's highlights is an appearance by 83-year-old American artist Meredith Monk. Recently awarded Berlin's Grand Art Prize, Monk will bring her distinctive vocal and performance style to the programme. The event will wrap up with *I Am All Ears*, a sound installation hosted at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. Over the coming days, attendees can expect concerts, performances, and discussions. The festival blends experimental music with innovative staging, offering a mix of established names and fresh ideas.
MaerzMusik 2026 runs for nearly three weeks, ending on March 29. Haas's large-scale piano piece sets the tone for a programme that includes Monk's performance and a final sound installation. The festival continues Berlin's tradition of hosting boundary-pushing contemporary music.
