Ein Abend für Mascha Kaléko
The Harbour Front Literature Festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of Mascha Kaléko’s death with a literary-musical evening dedicated to one of the most important poets of the 20th century – exploring exile and memory, language magic, longing, and self-assertion.
The event begins with the exclusive book premiere of Volker Weidermann: “Wenn ich eine Wolke wäre” (If I Were a Cloud) is a touching approach to Kaléko’s life and language.
Following this is the program “Nirgendland – Ein Abend für Mascha Kaléko” (Nowhere Land – An Evening for Mascha Kaléko), presented by the Etta Scollo Trio and Corinna Harfouch – an intimate yet universal interplay of music, poetry, and voice.
An evening between word and sound, between past and present – and an invitation to rediscover a great poet.
About the book “Wenn ich eine Wolke wäre. Mascha Kaléko und die Reise ihres Lebens” (If I Were a Cloud. Mascha Kaléko and the Journey of Her Life):
January 1956: Seventeen years after Mascha Kaléko left Nazi Germany at the last moment, she returns. For a year, she travels through a divided country and writes nearly daily letters to her husband in New York – about encounters, memories, disappointments, and quiet triumphs.
Volker Weidermann tells of this journey in his new book – simultaneously crafting a multifaceted portrait of a German-Jewish life between the times.
A literary piece of remembrance full of esprit, melancholy, and wonder-filled empathy.
Release date: October 9, 2025
About the program “Nirgendland – Ein Abend für Mascha Kaléko”:
“Wherever I travel, I go to Nowhere Land” – this is how it goes in Mascha Kaléko’s poem Kein Kinderlied (No Children’s Song).
With “Nirgendland – Ein Abend für Mascha Kaléko,” the Etta Scollo Trio and Corinna Harfouch dedicate a moving homage to the poet through poems and music. The compositions and settings by Scollo give Kaléko’s verses a new sonority – beyond nostalgic glorification.
Accompanied by other musicians, an evening is created that brings the polyphony of Kaléko’s work to life – with clear vision, fine irony, and great warmth.
About the contributors:
Volker Weidermann is a literary critic, author, and moderator. He was the head of the feuilleton at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, later an author at SPIEGEL and host of the Literary Quartet on ZDF. Since 2021, he has headed the feuilleton at ZEIT. His books Ostende. 1936: Sommer der Freundschaft (Ostend. 1936: Summer of Friendship) and Träumer. Als die Dichter die Macht übernahmen (Dreamers. When the Poets Took Power) became bestsellers.
Etta Scollo is a composer and performer between Berlin and Sicily. With 19 albums, two gold records, and recipient of the Ruth World Music Prize, her sound language combines poetry and social engagement – in a trio or with orchestras such as the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie and Ensemble Resonanz, among others. Artist-in-residence at Villa Massimo. 2024: Order of Merit of Italy.
Corinna Harfouch is among the most important actresses in the German-speaking world. She has performed at the Volksbühne and the Deutsches Theater, in films such as Der Untergang (Downfall) and Lara, and has received numerous awards, including the German Film Award, the Theater Prize Berlin, and the Kainz Medal. With vocal precision and great emotional range, she gives new strength to Kaléko’s words.
Entry: 7:00 PM
Tickets only available through the Elbphilharmonie
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
