Change, transformation, development… human ­progress over the course of a lifetime is what ­Hermann Hesse celebrates in his poem «Stufen» (Steps), describing the joy of innovation as humanity’s original impetus, and the enjoyment derived from remembering this power. Not clinging dogmatically to the past, but entering new spaces with optimism – this is what makes life worthwhile. «We’ll walk from space to space in glad progression and should not cling to one as homestead for us. The cosmic spirit will not bind nor bore us; It lifts and widens us in ev’ry session.» Hermann Hesse wrote his poem in 1941, in times that were difficult for him personally and for society, having realised that it was impossible to return at will to any specific point in time. Waxing and waning, ebb and flow characterise our society. After the pandemic and its many limitations, which have held us in thrall far longer than we could ever have ­imagined, and faced now with a war in the middle of Europe, surely everyone feels a certain insecurity. These are experiences we bear with us, and from which we will learn. At this moment in time, however, we are all the more delighted to join hands, going with the times and delving into lots of new beginnings, with you. This «Musical Diary» of our 2023/24 season programme offers not only familiar names and faces, not only a younger, fresher corporate design, the festival rainy days under new leadership of composer Catherine Kontz, but also new subscription series and, most importantly, new formats giving you greater flexibil­ity and addressing a broader range of interests. Join us to discover the novelty within the familiar, and the familiar within the novelty!