By Özgür Selvi Tasdan (photo by Andreas Zachow)

On May 10, the ESME e.V. community came together in Einstein Kulturzentrum for one of its most cherished annual traditions: the Spring Showcase. Held before a sold-out audience, this year’s concert was a joyful and memorable celebration of the power of music and the spirit of togetherness.
Unlike our Winter and Summer concerts, which feature our large core ensembles – the Orchestra, the Singers, and the Resident Alien Big Band – the Spring Showcase shines a spotlight on smaller ensembles and musical collaborations formed within the wider ESME membership. It’s a unique opportunity for our members to explore new styles, work in intimate settings, and share the stage in creative and often surprising combinations.
The programme opened with a delightful selection by the Singers, who took the audience on a journey through time and style – from the Renaissance elegance of April is in my Mistress’ Face and Now is the Month of Maying, to an energetic rendition of the 90s pop hit Wannabe. Just when the audience thought they had seen it all, the piece ended with an unexpected twist that brought the house to laughter and applause – a true surprise moment.
Chamber music followed with Telemann’s Concerto for Four Violas, beautifully performed by Alina, Camille, Tanja, and John. The interplay between the instruments highlighted the group’s coordination and musical connection. The emotional core of the first half came with Bring Him Home, interpreted by a male vocal ensemble of Luis, Stefano, Thomas, Tom, Federico, Felix, and Christian. The audience was
moved by their rich harmonies and heartfelt delivery.
Other highlights before the intermission included Camille and Seulgi’s elegant rendering of Bach/Casadesus’s Viola Concerto, Elmira’s expressive performance of Hich, and a haunting moment with Divane Aşık Gibi, performed by Hamdi, Özgür, Frances, and Thomas. The Singers brought us back into the fold with the sweeping Adiemus and lively Celtic Dance, ending the first act.
After a 20-minute intermission filled with hugs and laughter, the second half opened with high energy as our male ensemble returned with the boisterous song Viva la Compagne. Bart’s performance of Kodály’s Sonata for Solo Cello was a technical and emotional highlight – a display of both virtuosity and vulnerability that captivated the room.
Luis, Stefano, Thomas, Tom, Federico, and Felix continued to charm with
Connected, before Roland brought the house down with Dave Brubeck’s jazz classic Blue Rondo à la Turk. The intricate rhythms and electrifying performance reminded us of ESME’s wide musical range.
Later performances included the atmospheric I Am the Winter by Gustav, Katharina, Elisa, and Niels, and a moving duet of Lovesong by Michelle and David. The Call, performed by Christian, Luis, Felix, Emily, Kirsty, Sophie, Inge, and Linda, brought together a rich blend of voices and built toward the emotional climax of the night.

The final choral selections – Wanting Memories and the vibrant Hela Rotan – brought the full community together in a spirit of joy, cultural exchange, and applause that
echoed long after the last note.
It was, without doubt, a concert to remember. From Renaissance madrigals to contemporary compositions, from Turkish folk melodies to jazz improvisations, the 2025 Spring Showcase embodied everything ESME stands for: musical diversity, community spirit, and a shared love of performance.

With full hearts and full seats,
we thank our performers, volunteers, and our enthusiastic audience for making this Spring Showcase such a success.