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Works at a glance
A compact overview of Henze’s compositions – ideal for research, programme planning and quick orientation.
Open catalogue
Henze 100
Hans Werner Henze – 100th anniversary
On 1 July 2026, Hans Werner Henze would have celebrated his 100th birthday. Discover one of the defining composers of post-war music – with direct access to his life, works and key materials marking this anniversary year.
Henze at a glance
This page brings together key entry points for readers, performers, conductors, dramaturgs, educators and anyone wishing to explore or deepen their understanding of Hans Werner Henze in this anniversary year.
1926–2012
A composer of international standing
Hans Werner Henze is one of the central figures of 20th-century music. His works are performed worldwide and continue to shape concert, opera and music theatre repertoire.
Range
Opera, ballet, symphonic, vocal and chamber music
Henze’s oeuvre is both stylistically diverse and unmistakably distinctive, combining dramatic intensity, imaginative sound worlds and formal clarity across a wide range of genres.
Relevance
Music shaped by artistic and social conviction
Henze’s work reflects not only compositional mastery but also a strong engagement with his time, combining artistic vision with a deep understanding of theatre, language and impact.
Videos
Two perspectives on the Henze anniversary year: a general introduction and a personal reflection by Jörg Widmann on his teacher.
Anniversary
Henze100 – Celebrating 100 Years of Hans Werner Henze
A concise introduction to the anniversary year and to the work of one of the most influential composers of post-war music.
Interview
Jörg Widmann on Hans Werner Henze
Composer, clarinettist and conductor Jörg Widmann reflects on his teacher Hans Werner Henze.
Context and impact
Henze’s work extends far beyond music itself, combining artistic vision with social awareness and a lasting commitment to future generations.
Music & society
Music and politics
Henze viewed composition as a response to his time. Many of his works engage with social conflict and political themes. A significant artistic partnership connected him with the poet Ingeborg Bachmann.
Engagement
Education and festivals
Henze was deeply committed to music education and the promotion of young talent. He founded important initiatives such as the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte and the Munich Biennale for New Music Theatre.
Recognition
Awards
Henze received numerous international honours, including the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize and the Praemium Imperiale – among the most prestigious awards in classical music.
Profile
Discover more about Hans Werner Henze
The profile page offers further insights into his life and work, biographical milestones and additional materials, as well as direct access to repertoire and related content.
Further information, context and additional resources are available on the dedicated profile page.
Resources for the anniversary
Key materials for the Henze year 2026 at a glance – for quick orientation, editorial preparation or deeper engagement with his work and legacy.
Opera guide
A focused introduction to Henze’s music theatre – ideal for those exploring his operas and stage works.
Read opera guide
Brochure
The anniversary brochure brings together key themes, background information and content for the Henze year – especially useful for editorial orientation.
Open brochure
Schott Journal
Additional perspectives and editorial insights from the Schott context – ideal for readers seeking curated content.
Read journal
Discover Hans Werner Henze
The central entry point for further information, context and additional content within the Schott offering.
Open profileAnniversary Events
Concerts, opera performances, festivals, radio features and films celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hans Werner Henze's birth.
Show all anniversary events
4 June 2026
BR Klassik · Music as a Metaphor for the Unsayable · Radio broadcast
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12 June 2026
Frankfurt am Main, Alte Oper · Voices – Stimmen · Ensemble Modern · Ingo Metzmacher
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12 June 2026
Munich, Herkulessaal · Heliogabalus Imperator · Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra · Matthias Pintscher
20 June 2026
Cologne, WDR Funkhaus · Kammersonate, Präludien zu Tristan, Paraphrases on Dostoevsky · Ensemble Musikfabrik · Bas Wiegers
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20 June 2026
BR Klassik · The Beginning Was Composing · Radio broadcast
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22 June 2026
Cologne Philharmonie · Apollo et Hyazinthus, El Rey de Harlem, Sonata for Six Players · Ensemble Musikfabrik · Bas Wiegers
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23 June 2026
rbb radio3 / NDR Kultur · Hans Werner Henze on His 100th Birthday · Radio broadcast
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28 June 2026
hr2 / SWR Kultur · Man Is a Marvel · Radio broadcast
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1 July 2026
ARD Concert Broadcast · Das Floß der Medusa · Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Chorus, WDR Radio Choir · Simon Rattle
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1 July 2026
ARTE Mediathek · Hans Werner Henze: Composer, Communist, Dandy · Film
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1 July 2026
Gütersloh Theatre · El Cimarrón · Ensemble Horizonte · Jörg-Peter Mittmann
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2 July 2026
BR Klassik · Beauty Lies in Deviation from the Norm · Radio broadcast
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3 July 2026
Munich, Herz-Jesu-Kirche · Requiem · Munich Radio Orchestra · Patrick Hahn
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7 July – 28 August 2026
Siena, Accademia Musicale Chigiana · International Festival & Summer Academy · Henze focus
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17 July – 2 August 2026
Montepulciano · Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte · Henze focus
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17 July 2026
Aix-en-Provence · Festival d’Aix-en-Provence · El Cimarrón
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30 July 2026
Ludwigsburg Palace Gardens · Voices – Stimmen · Munich Chamber Orchestra · Bas Wiegers
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8 August 2026 · ARTE · Hans Werner Henze: Composer, Communist, Dandy · TV broadcast
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20 August 2026
Salzburg, Felsenreitschule · Der Prinz von Homburg · ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra · Ingo Metzmacher
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5 September 2026
Berlin Philharmonie · Musen Siziliens, Notturno · Young German Philharmonic, RIAS Chamber Choir · Gregor Meyer
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7 September 2026
Berlin Philharmonie · Tristan · Tamara Stefanovich · NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra · Alan Gilbert
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9 September 2026
Lucerne, KKL · Sinfonia No. 9 · Berlin Radio Choir, Konzerthaus Orchestra Berlin · Joana Mallwitz
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30 September 2026
Dresden, Semperoper · The Vocal Cloth of Chamber Singer Rosa Silber · Saxon State Orchestra Dresden · Gerrit Prießnitz
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14 January 2027
Cologne Opera · La piccola Cubana · Jordi Frances
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14 January 2027
Hamburg Elbphilharmonie · Gogo no Eiko · MDR Symphony Orchestra · Alejo Pérez
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23 January 2027
Hamburg State Opera · El Cimarrón · Katharina Müllner
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New Henze Edition from WERGO
To mark Hans Werner Henze’s 100th anniversary, WERGO is releasing a new edition of recordings, some of which were made under Henze’s own supervision.
available now
Sinfonia
The ten symphonies
in preparation
Orchestra
Orchestral works and instrumental concertos
in preparation
Camera
Chamber music and piano music
in preparation
Voce
Vocal music
in preparation
Teatro
Stage works incl. Der Prinz von Homburg
All Henze recordings from the WERGO label newly brought together
Partly made under Henze’s own supervision
Five CD box sets curated by work groups
