Berghofer Cellosommer - 25-jähriges Jubiläum, 50 Cellist:innen und jede Menge Freude. 30.08.2026 um 11:30 Uhr, ev. Kreuzkirche Dortmund-Berghofen, Fasanenweg, Eintritt frei

Volker Leuchte once called the Berghofer Cellosommer a “children’s birthday party for adults,” describing his experience as a participant. That’s not entirely wrong. When around 50 accomplished cellists come together to sight-read jazz, pop, schlager, classical, or heavy metal, it’s certainly not about the solemn seriousness of a typical concert. It’s about music—and above all, the joy of making it together.

 

For 25 years, Dortmund-based cellist and member of the Philharmonic Orchestra Hauke Hack has been inviting musician friends to the Cellosommer in Dortmund-Berghofen. Over the years, his passion for the cello ensemble has grown into a special tradition. More than 200 musicians have participated so far. Among them are members of renowned orchestras, cello teachers, and experienced amateur musicians. What unites them is not only the instrument but also their personal connection to Hauke Hack. This connection goes way back: friends from 50 years of cello-playing come together. The “Cellosommer” is thus also a kind of musical class reunion—except that every year new pieces are created, and old acquaintances turn into new musical encounters. After all, not everything is prepared in advance at the “Cellosommer.” Participants bring their own arrangements, try them out together, and only decide over the course of the weekend what works. Individual parts are played by multiple musicians. The many individual cellos thus create a large, warm sound that often resembles human voices.

 

The repertoire knows almost no bounds. By Saturday evening, anywhere from 50 to 70 pieces may have found their way onto the music stands. Only then is the decision made as to which of them will be performed at the closing concert. Last year, the seven-part “Steigerlied” made its debut in the program—as a “Tribute to the Ruhr Region” in waltz form. Whether this year’s arrangement of a Rachmaninoff piece—created in memory of Gabriel Feltz—will pass the practical test remains to be seen as rehearsals progress.

 

Singers have also repeatedly enriched the Cellosommer, including opera singer Angela Meyer, jazz singer Dita Kosmakova, and Frank Scheele, alias Mel Maroon. Even a vocal trio from the Berghof community has added its own unique timbres to the performances.

 

Perfection isn’t the primary goal of the Cellosommer. It thrives on encounters and making music together. The musicians don’t have to spend weeks working toward a perfect performance. On the contrary, they play “whatever comes up.” The same goes for the audience. Anyone who comes to the closing concert isn’t just there to listen. Singing along, dancing, or snapping your fingers to the beat are expressly encouraged. People who have had little exposure to classical music or classical instruments so far are especially encouraged to feel welcome. Perhaps that is the secret of this unusual summer weekend: In the end, it’s not a concert that separates the stage from the audience, but a shared musical experience.

 

The 25th anniversary of the Berghof Cello Summer will conclude onAugust 30 at 11:30 a.m.with a concert at theEvangelical Kreuzkirche in Dortmund-Berghofen, Fasanenweg 18. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.Free admission; donations are welcome.