A Dialogue of Centuries: When Beethoven Meets Adele

The Rhein Opera Chorus performed at the Hongqiao Art Center in Shanghai's Changning District on October 18, under the direction of Johannes Michael. Just hours before the concert, Michael led an open rehearsal, giving a rare glimpse into the singers' vocal preparation.

During the rehearsal, Michael demonstrated vocal warm-ups and exercises, highlighting the precision and emotional depth behind every performance. "Each text, each song tells a story," he said. "Without emotions it would be boring."

The event was part of the 2025 Sino-German Beethoven for Youth Music Festival, a celebration of musical collaboration between China and Germany. The program, When Beethoven Meets Adele, combined classical works by Beethoven, Verdi, and Schumann with pop hits by Britain's Adele and Queen – a fusion of genres, eras, and cultures.

As Beethoven wrote, "Music is a revelation higher than wisdom and philosophy". On stage, classical and contemporary works met, showing how music can connect performers and audiences across styles and generations.