Visitors to Hamburg can expect even more than the well-known maritime attractions in 2013, when the city is host to the prestigious International Garden Show, and celebrates the anniversary of its renowned ballet company. These and many more events will make for a diverse program that shows the many faces of Germany’s northern most metropolis. The top highlights for 2013 include:
40 Years Hamburg Ballet – John Neumeier
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the internationally acclaimed Hamburg Ballet and its director and chief choreographer John Neumeier will be presenting a special jubilee program. Spanning the company’s artistic vision from the very beginnings in 1973 to its current multi-facetted repertoire, the season will include four revivals, one premiere, as well as two guest companies. Highlight of the anniversary program will be Hamburg Ballet Festival, which will open with the John Neumeier interpreted performances of “Scenes from Shakespeare”.
The Hamburg Ballet – John Neumeier kicks off the anniversary year with a tour of the United States in February 2013, with performances in Chicago, Orange County and San Francisco.
Celebrated as one of the great signature choreographers of tour time, American-born Neumeier is known for masterfully combining classical ballet tradition with very contemporary forms. www.hamburgballett.de
80 Gardens Around The World: The International Garden Show Hamburg (igs)
April 26 until October 2013
Poised to become the Mecca for garden enthusiasts and landscape designers, Hamburg will be showcasing “80 Gardens around the World” on 100 acres on the Elbe river island of Williamsburg, during the International Garden Show 2013. Seven horticultural themed sections will present unique eco-systems as well as cultures form around the world. Visitors will also learn about green initiatives, and experience the very typical regional agricultural and horticultural landscapes with its carefully kept gardens and fruit trees. The show is complemented by a full program of open-air activities, concerts, plays, and gastronomic events. www.igs-hamburg.de.
824th Harbor Birthday
May 9-12, 2013
Highlight of Hamburg’s annual events calendar will again be the Harbor Birthday celebration (Hafengeburtstag). Touted to be the world’s biggest harbor festival, the tradition goes back to 1189, when Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa granted the people of Hamburg exemption from customs duties for ships on the Elbe river. Centered on and around the Landungsbrücken (landing docks), Hamburg’s 824th Harbor Birthday is expected to draw some 1.5 million visitors who for four days will enjoy 500 booths, music, performances, food, and entertainment.
Complementing the activities on land, some of the world’s most impressive cruise ships, frigates and steamboats ships will be part of the program with ship parades, tug boat ballet, dragon boat races and more.
Quickly becoming a new tradition, cruise lines are using the popular harbor event to stage their ship naming ceremonies. This year, on May 10, 2013, Hapag Lloyd’s MS Europa will be “baptized” in a festive public celebration. The event will culminate in a huge firework display.
Elbjazz Festival
May 24/25, 2013
The fourth annual Elbjazz Festival is again expected to draw fans from all over Europe to enjoy some 50 performances on ten stages at and around Hamburg’s harbor and the Elbe river. Unique venues range from open-air stages, to hidden ship yards, a freight ship or a local bar, and – in Hamburg fashion – fans can hop from concert to concert by boat. Jazz legends as well as newcomers from Hamburg and around the world will present their diverse styles. Line-up for 2013 includes the European Jazz Ensemble, Charlie Wood and many others.
Reeperbahn Festival
September 26 – 28, 2013
This one-of-a-kind urban club festival turns the formerly seedy red light district into Europe’s coolest live music venue. For three nights some 200 bands heat up the clubs, bars, theaters and churches in this legendary neighborhood. Now in its eighth year, the festival features bands and DJs from abound the word, but also serves as a platform for entertainment industry professionals, and offers a diverse program of street art, poetry and literature, movies, and parties. www.reeperbahnfestival.com.
Visit Hamburg, www.hamburg-travel.com