A unity of sound and light: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg launches “Mein Schiff 6” cruise liner

02.06.2017

A musical genius goes maritime: last night, Iveta Apkalna, head organist of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, launched the cruise liner “Mein Schiff 6” on behalf of the spectacular new concert hall. During the ceremony, the fourth new addition to the Hamburg based TUI Cruises’ feel-good fleet was moored just beside the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s new landmark.

Joined by six cruise officers in uniform, Iveta Apkalna spoke the crucial words “I hereby give you the name of Mein Schiff 6” at last night’s launching ceremony, which could be heard not only on the ship but also on the Plaza, the Elbphilharmonie’s public viewing platform. Using a baton, Ms Apkalna then gave the signal for the bottle of champagne to be broken against the ship’s bow. Visibly moved, she remarked: “For me as an organist, stage performances are part of everyday life. However, launching a cruise liner on behalf of the Elbphilharmonie has been a unique experience that I will surely remember for a long time. Today, I am representing the Elbphilharmonie. For me it is the world’s most important concert hall ­– a truly unique cathedral of music.” Further information about the new concert hall: www.elbphilharmonie.de.

The ceremony was followed by the world premiere of a music piece inspired by the fourth movement of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, which was specifically composed for the event. Drawing on the idea of a sound sculpture, the composition featured various different groups of instruments to highlight the Elbphilharmonie’s extraordinary musical diversity and its role as ambassador. The performing artists on board the ship included an opera singer, a DJ, a rock guitar player, a laser harp player as well as a string quartet.

Hamburg is the world's number 1 destination for maritime entertainment and cruise events. The city´s most spectacular cruise event will be kicked off at the end of the summer: taking place for the sixth time, the Hamburg Cruise Days from 8 to 10 September 2017 will once again transform the port of Hamburg into a catwalk for the cruise industry and cruise fans. A record number of ten cruise liners is scheduled to take part in the 2017 Hamburg Cruise Days, the biggest public cruise festival in Europe. To learn more about the cruise destination, visit www.hamburg-travel.com/cruises.

A unity of sound and light: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg launches “Mein Schiff 6” cruise liner