The unique character of music played live is a crucial aspect of understanding the expressive beauty and compelling honesty of Grigory Sokolov's art. His poetic interpretations, which come alive with mystical intensity in the concert hall, are based on an in-depth knowledge of the repertoire. His programmes span the entire history of music: from transcriptions of sacred polyphony of the Middle Ages and works by Couperin, Rameau and Bach, to the Classical and Romantic repertoire and key compositions of the 20th century. Now Grigory Sokolov returns to Schloss Elmau – with what is sure to be a compelling and impressive concert evening.

Rakhi Singh and her sister Simmy, two of the most innovative violinists of our time, are guests in Elmau. Born in rural Wales to an Indian father and an English mother, they are influenced by different cultures and traditions, which also flow into their music. Rakhi is the founder and artistic director of the Manchester Collective, one of the most interesting ensembles around - experimenting with new music and musical forms. She works with artists such as Steve Reich, Hiromi, Phillip Glass, Björk and Abel Selaocoe.

Dutch duo Lucas & Artur Jussen are among the most sought-after piano duos of our time and are a breath of fresh air in the world's biggest concert halls. With their energetic, almost symbiotic playing, their great refinement of sound and their gripping interpretations, they are celebrated by press and audience alike. “It's like driving two BMWs at the same time,” said conductor Michael Schønwandt about the two pianists after a joint concert.

Two world-class string quartets: the Quatuor Ébène and the Belcea Quartet are among the best string quartets ever. For this concert, they unite to form an octet and interpret two of the great works for this instrumentation – Mendelssohn's youthful work full of luminous melodic ideas and the darkly glowing, dense work by the nineteen-year-old Romanian Enescu.