The KomponistenQuartier Hamburg makes the rich and long-standing musical history of the city of Hamburg accessible and helps to continue this history. Music – History – Hamburg: three pillars whose multifaceted dimensions define the KQ’s mission and identity.

 

The KomponistenQuartier Hamburg is a place…
… of cultural heritage and Hamburg’s history
Located within walking distance of St Michael’s Church, the KQ showcases composers whose lives and works are closely linked to Hamburg. The permanent exhibition features: Georg Philipp Telemann, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Adolf Hasse, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler. Special exhibitions complement these with further figures from Hamburg’s musical history – spanning over six centuries. The exhibitions are curated by six associated composers’ societies, which have developed the content in close cooperation and contribute to a diverse museum experience through ongoing concerts, lectures and discussion formats.

 

… civic engagement and social exchange
The KQ is a museum ensemble “by Hamburgers for Hamburgers, local residents and the world”:  Day-to-day museum operations are only possible thanks to the time donated by around 100 volunteers working in visitor services, guided tours and at the ticket office. Through their efforts, the museums become a very personal experience for every visitor. At the same time, their knowledge and ideas help ensure that the KQ is also a place of interaction and exchange.   

 

… a universal invitation to linger and immerse oneself
The KQ stands for the multilingual communication of music as a universal language, transcending borders and time. A growing international audience, ranging from enthusiasts to music professionals, finds opportunities for focused engagement and surprising perspectives within the elaborately designed spaces, right in the heart of one of Hamburg’s most beautiful streets.

 

… for exploring, sharing and learning
Families, schools, universities: the KQ increasingly offers generous accessibility and a low-threshold approach for all levels of musical education. In bridging the generations, volunteers – mostly from the older generation – pass on their passion for music to young guests and families. School programmes focus on selected themes, whilst rooms and outstanding instruments – such as a self-playing Steinway-Welte piano or a table piano on which Johannes Brahms once taught – offer opportunities for lessons and concerts.

 

… public and private funding interests
As a non-profit association, the KQ is committed to consistently outstanding museum work and projects worthy of support. This is recognised by several loyal patrons as well as the City of Hamburg through regular donations. Whether for running costs or project-related purposes – alongside the growing contribution from the museum’s own income and the time donated by volunteers, the KQ is only possible thanks to donations of all sizes.

 

… diverse networking
The KQ views history as an ongoing process that can be understood by looking to the past and shaped by looking to the present. Through content-based collaborations with researchers, associations and circles of friends, through the establishment of a residency to provide conceptual support for Hamburg-based music creators, and through joint events with grant providers and universities, the KQ is increasingly acting as a key player in the ongoing development of Hamburg’s musical history.

 

… a vibrant musical experience!
Composers’ societies, the voluntary board and committees are constantly working to expand and enrich the KQ’s programme, so that music, history and Hamburg can be explored in ever-new and diverse ways by visitors of all ages.