Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey

for 2 actors, children's choir and orchestra
Libretto by Alexander Jansen based on the novel by Selma Lagerlöf

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Composition commissioned by the Cologne Philharmonic (KölnMusik)

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Orchestra cast:

2 (2nd also Picc.) 2 (2nd also Engl. Hr.) 2 2 - 2 1 1 1 - PS (Xyl. 2 Beck. ed. Beck. Tamt. kl tr. gr. tr. drum set) (2 players) - hfe. - st

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Duration: 35 mins

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Premiere June 27th/30th, 2019, Cologne Philharmonic

Pupils from 12 primary schools in Cologne (2nd grade)

Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne

Direction: Andreas Fellner

Staging: Michael Mienert, Cordula Körber
choirsproduction: Samuel Dobernecker, Alexandra Naumann, Anna Rizzi,

Michel Rychlinski

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Nils Holgersson annoys the animals on the farm and is turned into an imp as punishment. On the back of wild geese, he learns the value of friendship and finally regains his human form. The play is based on Selma Lagerlöf's famous novel. The extensive numbers of the children's choir (primary school age) tell the most important stations of the hero. Two actors - one playing Nils Holgersson, the other playing all the other roles - interact with the choristers. The piece can be performed in concert and scenically.