The charismatic group of young musicians behind Ensemble Mini orchestra taps one of Hungary’s leading national composers, Béla Bartók, in a world premiere this Thursday and Friday. Made up of award-winning Syrian and Turkish musicians, composers and soloists, Ensemble Mini aims to unify differences, putting the often-marginalized classical genre on the map for a younger audience. Bartók’s belief, that classical composition should go beyond borders, creating a “multicultural hybrid,” resonates with today’s influx of refugees and the idea of “borderless communities.” Inspired by Bartók’s cultural fluidity, the young orchestra revives the composer’s works, bringing contemporary zest to the stage. In this spirit, concerts will be complemented by live DJ-sets of Arab-inspired electro, as well as video installations by Syrian artist Ali Kaaf. (Text: Victoria Pease)

Musikbrauerei, Greifswalderstr.23A, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map
17 and 18 November 20-24h; Facebook event / Tickets

It’s that time of year again, where Berlin braces itself for its favorite independent art award. Out of 600 Berlin-residing applicants, nine contemporary artists have been selected for the month-long exhibition at Kühlhaus that opens up this Friday. From sculpture to installation, from photography to performance, this year’s Berlin Art Prize is titled “Hard Work, Work Hard,” and suitably focuses on the artists’ portfolios rather than individual projects. On December 10, then, three winners will be announced by a jury of local art professionals. Most importantly, the exhibition is a celebration of emerging talent and diversity, taking corporate influences out of the equation. (Text: Victoria Pease)

Kühlhaus, Luckenwalderstr.3, 10963 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Opening night: Fri 11.11.16, 19-23h; Facebook event
exhibition runs from: 12.11.–10.12.2016, Tue-Sat 13-18h

Surviving World War II and being closed to the public for the last seven decades, the abandoned, former silent-movie theater Delphi on Caligariplatz in Weissensee roused from its deep sleep in 2012. Now this astounding venue is a platform for a variety of artistic events, including theater, concerts, and performances. After the work-in-progress act The Journey/Drom was met with great response on International Romani Day earlier this year, the new collaborative theater project is finally premiering this Thursday (27.10.2016) at Delphi. The theater piece is a combined effort by artists from Romania, Hungary, Serbia and Germany, casting a light on today’s Roma culture. The theater piece explores the ‘on-the-move’ identities of Roma asylum-seekers on the Balkan Route. Check out the teaser here, and get your tickets here. (Text: Nicolene van der Walt)

Ehemaliges Stummfilmkino Delphi, Gustav-Adolf-Str.2, 13086, Berlin-Weissensee; map
Premier: Thu 27.10.2016, 20h; Facebook event
Sat 29.10.2016, 20h

More screenings:
Studio Я / Maxim Gorki Theater, Hinter dem Gießhaus 2, 10117 Berlin-Mitte; map
Fri 28.10.2016, 20:30h