Düsseldorf, June 12, 2026 – With an extraordinary musical collaboration, the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Haus der Kulturen Düsseldorf e.V., and Carmen e.V. have sent a clear signal about new forms of cultural collaboration in Düsseldorf.

At the “Rendezvous at Half Past Seven” on the main stage of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, art songs from European musical traditions came together with the energetic Balkan brass music of the Avangard Brass Band from Cologne. Singers from the opera performed alongside the brass ensemble in a collaboration that combined musical excellence with cultural diversity.

The audience responded enthusiastically. The fusion of opera, brass, and the musical traditions of Europe’s Sinti and Roma cultures created an immediate energy in the hall and made the evening a striking example of how cultural institutions and immigrant-led cultural initiatives can work together to create new spaces for encounter. “Roma music has always been—and continues to be—music of community and strength,” emphasized Sami Dzemailovski, president of Carmen e.V. “We want to raise awareness that Roma culture is part of European culture, whose creative power stems from the recognition and fusion of a wide variety of influences.”

For Haus der Kulturen Düsseldorf e.V., the collaboration also marked an important step even before the official opening of its new space at Yorckstraße 23. The association is currently working to establish a hybrid platform and a long-term network for cultural exchange, participation, and cooperation with its member organizations, cultural institutions, communities, and the broader civic society in Düsseldorf. By participating in innovative formats such as the “Rendezvous at Half Past Seven,” the Haus der Kulturen is positioning itself early on as a professional partner for interdisciplinary cultural projects and for increasing the visibility of international, multilingual, and transformative perspectives in the cultural life of Düsseldorf, the state capital.

The event took place on May 22, 2026, at the Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf—about one month before the official opening ceremony on June 22, 2026, under the patronage of Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller.

Performers:
, Sylvia Hamvasi, Maria Polaňska, David Fischer, Žilvinas Miškinis, and Dan Rațiu (piano); Dramaturgy: Heili Schwarz-Schütte, in collaboration with the Avangard Brass Band, conducted by Kamber Kanturski.

Organizer:
Deutsche Oper am Rhein, in cooperation with Haus der Kulturen Düsseldorf e.V. and Carmen e.V.