100th birthday
Bergische Uni pays tribute to Ernesto Cardenal with a varied cultural programme
The poet and former Minister of Culture of Nicaragua, Ernesto Cardenal, received an honorary doctorate from the School of Humanities in 2017. // Photo Sebastian Jarych
Ernesto Cardenal had a special relationship with Wuppertal: his books have been published here by Peter Hammer Verlag since 1967. Numerous visits brought him to the city - for readings, discussions and encounters, often in cooperation with the Nicaragua Information Office and the Wuppertal-Matagalpa Town Twinning Association. In 2017, he was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of Humanities and Cultural Studies at the University of Wuppertal.
To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, an extensive programme with an exhibition, concert, discussions and a guest lecture by his translator will take place from 13 to 17 November 2025. One highlight will be the world premiere of a musical setting of Cardenal's poems by the Nicaraguan composer and musician Karla Domínguez, who lives in Wuppertal, in the Immanuel Church.
The programme at a glance:
3 November - Wuppertal Central City Library (from 5 p.m.)
"100 years of Ernesto Cardenal. Graphic calendar 2026 by the Matagalpa/Nicaragua printing workshop"
Opening of the new calendar, inspired by Cardenal's poems. Admission free. Further information: www.matagalpa.de/projekt-3
15 November - Immanuelskirche (admission from 7 pm)
"Gesänge des Universums" - song cycle for baritone and string quartet
World premiere of a composition based on texts by Cardenal by Nicaraguan musician Karla Domínguez, who lives in Wuppertal. With Thomas Laske (baritone), the Grand-Art Quartet and Olaf Reitz as narrator. Tickets: www.wuppertal-live.de/581045
16 November - Café SWANE (10 am to 5.30 pm)
"A day with Ernesto" - panel discussions and readings
Discussions on Cardenal's legacy, his theology and poetry with international guests, including Katharina Peetz, professor of Catholic theology at the School of Humanities. Closing: Reading "En el nombre de Ernesto" with students from the University of Wuppertal, under the direction of Enrique Delgadillo. Free admission.
17 November - University of Wuppertal, senate room (4.15 to 5.45 pm)
"Cardenal lesen - Begegnung mit Lutz Kliche"
The translator, friend and companion of Cardenal talks to Prof. Dr Matei Chihaia (University of Wuppertal) about the poet's life and work. Presentation of the anthology "Heimweh nach dem Paradies" ( Peter Hammer Verlag), published in 2024. Admission free.
The programme and further details can be found on the website of the Department of Romance Studies.
About Ernesto Cardenal
Ernesto Cardenal (1925-2020) studied philosophy, literature and theology. He was ordained a priest in 1965. On an island in Lake Solentiname, he founded a commune modelled on early Christianity. Through his literary work, as the author of numerous poems and essays, but also through his political commitment, he became one of the best-known writers in Latin America.
Read more about Ernesto Cardenal in the Jahr100Wissen interview with Prof Dr Matei Chihaia: https://www.uni-wuppertal.de/de/third-mission/wissenschaftskommunikation/jahr100wissen/2025/ernesto-cardenal/
