Berlin Comedian Harmonists: Miracles Do Happen

About this event

The Berlin Comedian Harmonists are a six-man vocal and piano ensemble that has spent nearly 30 years reviving the sound and spirit of the original Comedian Harmonists, the celebrated German close-harmony group of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Their approach relies on precise, tightly-blended voices and a single piano accompaniment, aiming for a texture where individual singers merge into a seamless whole — occasionally broken by a sudden solo or a playful musical aside. Tenors Holger Off and Norbert Kohler, baritones Olaf Drauschke and Ulrich Bildstein, bass Wolfgang Höltzel, and pianist Nikolai Orloff form the current lineup. "Wunder gibt es immer wieder" marks the centenary of the original group. The show moves between well-loved numbers like "Mein kleiner grüner Kaktus" and "Veronika, der Lenz ist da", rarer pieces from the early repertoire, and a light-hearted framing device: the first tenor announces he is quitting, and his colleagues spend the evening trying to change his mind. Between songs the performers step forward to share anecdotes and diary entries of the original group's founder, Harry Frommermann — moments that range from poignant to absurdly funny. The programme also takes a sharp turn into later pop territory, rearranging songs by the Beatles, ABBA, Queen, and Michael Jackson in the unmistakable close-harmony style of the 1920s, which gives familiar melodies an entirely different character. What holds the evening together is crisp ensemble singing, a dry, self-deprecating sense of humour, and a light theatrical touch that never overpowers the music. The atmosphere is warm and nostalgic without feeling like a museum piece. Anyone who enjoys vocal harmony, Weimar-era culture, or simply a cleverly-structured musical evening will find something here. The show runs roughly two hours and feels more like an intimate salon performance than a formal concert, despite the grand hall surroundings.