Amidst the unsettling rise of authoritarianism, political polarization, and isolationism around the globe, we believe it is our duty as artists to respond. We dedicate Season 2: RESIST! – The Sound of Defiance to the victims of ongoing armed conflict, undemocratic governments, and social injustice. At a moment when understanding the past has never been more crucial, we believe music can serve as both a powerful reminder of historical struggles and a wellspring of hope, urging us to uphold human rights, cherish all forms of diversity, and stand firm against censorship and repression.
From September 2025 to June 2026, we invite you to join us for six curated concerts and three interdisciplinary interludes, each illuminating different facets of artistic defiance—from political protest to celebrations of personal identity and stories of exile and hope.
We’re proud to present works by a wide range of composers, with special focus on underrepresented voices like Gabriela Lena Frank, Pavel Haas, Mieczysław Weinberg, Isang Yun, Theresa Wong, Margaret Bonds, and Reza Vali. From Arnold Schoenberg’s biting satire in his Ode to Napoleon, which opens our season, to Jimi Hendrix’s radical reimagining of the Star-Spangled Banner, from Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, written when he was a prisoner of war, to George Crumb’s evocative Black Angels, a threnody for the victims of the Vietnam War, Season 2 offers a rich sampling of perspectives on what resistance through art means.
New in Season 2 are Interludes, interdisciplinary events that inspire deeper dialogue between artists and audiences. These include a portrait of Luigi Nono’s artist-activism, a pairing of Han Kang’s writing with Isang Yun’s music, and a poignant exploration of fashion and suffragism with acclaimed fashion designer Jenny Lai — all underscoring music’s political power.
Building on the momentum of our sold-out Seasons 0 and 1, where we introduced ourselves to Berlin’s vibrant audiences and examined the ever-evolving relationship between music and machines, RESIST! reflects our continued commitment to innovation, societal relevance, and inclusion at our intimate home concert hall, Tonhain.
We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors and audiences who make this journey possible. Season 2 is our invitation to continue listening critically and engaging with the stories that music tells about resistance in all its forms.
We’re thrilled to announce a new interdisciplinary collaboration this season: Berlin-based Korean artist and designer Sun Ho Lee has created the visual identity for the entire series, including all nine events.
Click here to learn more about the artist and the concept behind the season artwork. To explore each concert and purchase tickets, click on any part of the masked artwork above or use the links below:
- › Concert: Soundtrack of the Resistance · 26.09.2025 · 7:00 PM
- › Interlude: Hay que caminar · 24.10.2025 · 7:00 PM
- › Concert: From My Life · 21.11.2025 · 7:00 PM
- › Concert: Protest Anthems · 12.12.2025 · 7:00 PM
- › Interlude: Human Acts · 20.02.2026 · 7:00 PM
- › Concert: Dream Portraits · 20.03.2026 · 7:00 PM
- › Concert: Musica non grata · 24.04.2026 · 7:00 PM
- › Interlude: Spectacle · 15.05.2026 · 7:00 PM
- › Concert: Defiance · 12.06.2026 · 7:00 PM
All concerts take place at Tonhain.
Concert
Soundtrack of the Resistance
Interlude
Hay que caminar
Concert
From My Life
Concert
Protest Anthems
Interlude
Human Acts
Concert
Dream Portraits
Concert
Musica non grata
Interlude
Spectacle
Concert
