Early Music & Classical Music

The history of music in Cologne is unique. The genius Ludwig van Beethoven made his debut here.

The influential composer, conductor and music pedagogue Ferdinand Hiller, as director of the Cologne Concert Society, was able to attract numerous national and international composers and interpreters for first-class performances. 

Thus the Rhine metropolis grew into a place known beyond its borders for outstanding performances and important world premieres of classical music.

With the opening of the Kölner Philharmonie, Cologne now boasts one of the leading concert halls in Europe, along with numerous other venues.

Jazz, Blues, Pop & Rock

As early as the 1920s, the jazz style, which originally originated in the southern states of the USA and over time has mixed with European music, made its way into the cathedral city.

Gigi Campi was an important personality in the history of jazz in Cologne. In the 1950s he brought numerous jazz greats of the time such as Ella Fitzgerald, Luis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie to Cologne.

Cool jazz in particular was very popular in Europe around this time. The history of jazz in Cologne is marked by the work of national and international interpreters, promoters and venues.

Elements of the history of pop music in Cologne will also be part of our events. Many national and international music labels provide an international exchange of artists and fans. This also applies to developments in rock music in Cologne. So the group CAN could achieve world success with their piece Spoon.