The paradisiacal garden as a place of longing and happiness, but also as a place of transformation: At the center of this classical choral concert is "The Book of Hanging Gardens," Schönberg's setting of 15 poems from Stefan George's collection of the same name about the sexual awakening of a young prince, poetically evoked in romanticized images of nature. Interwoven with these are other theme-related songs from different eras. By distributing the songs among three different voices, this program promises nothing less than a highly emotional and multifaceted evening.

Jonathan de la Paz Zaens

Jonathan de la Paz Zaens, bass-baritone, was born in the Philippines and studied at the University of the Philippines and Hochschule der Künste Berlin. Since 1998 he has been singing with the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin and has been a member of the ensemble since 2005. His work as a Liedsänger led him to Germany, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic and the USA.


Hildegard Rützel

Hildegard Rützerl, alto, studied voice at the Münchener Musikhochschule. Engagements led her to Komische Oper Berlin, the Telemann-Festspielen Magdeburg, Kunstfest Weimar, mdr-Musiksommer Leipzig, BFM Genf, Davos-Festival, Festival Ultraschall, Oper Leipzig and most recently to the Barocktage (Baroque Days) of Staatsoper unter den Linden. She is particularly devoted to the Lied (song).

Anja Petersen

Anja Petersen (soprano) studied voice and violin in Stuttgart. As a freelance singer she gave guest performances at the Semperoper Dresden, at the Bremen Theatre and at the State Operas of Stuttgart and Wiesbaden. She has been a member of the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin since 2010. In addition, she is active as a much-engaged soloist of predominately concert and oratorio repertory.