Valentin lives in Grindel. Since the beginning of the year, he has had one of the most exciting jobs in Hamburg: at the Elbphilharmonie. Since 2013, he began playing the cello in the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. With his musical view of Hamburg, he shows us his favourite spots. When Valantin goes about his daily life, however, it's everything but normal. He knows how to fill his day with the good things in life: a great cup of coffee in the Grindelviertel, a rehearsal with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra or a sumptuous dinner in the trendy restaurant Vienna in Eimsbüttel. Discover Valentin's favourite spots with your own eyes!

Start with a flat white at Playground Coffee

Valentin does like his morning cup of coffee on his own balcony, but he often goes around the corner to meet his colleague Veljko, who also owns the "Playground Coffee" café in the Grindelviertel. For some time now, both have been on the same wavelength – specifically, the "Third Wave".

Here in Grindelhof, Valentine enjoys his coffee consciously and sustainably. He likes to take his flat white together with Veljko on the front terrace where the two can discuss their next kite trip to the sea.

Cello rehearsal with a panorama view

Today, however, there's not much time for a long, laid-back conversation. Valentin has to go to a rehearsal. He currently has probably one of the most exciting workplaces in all of Germany: the Elbphilharmonie! After arriving on his bicycle at the Platz der Deutschen Einheit, he hurries quickly through the one-of-a-kind concert hall to his dressing room, where he warms up on his cello with full concentration – but also with a panorama view of the Elbe!

Right on time for the rehearsal in the large hall with the rest of the orchestra, he still finds it overwhelming – even after six months on the job – to have the opportunity to play his instrument in such a wonderful environment.

Fine cuisine and a glass of red wine in the Bistrot Vienna

After circa four hours of the greatest possible musical concentration, Valentin's stomach quickly rumbles in the evening. This is when he likes to go to his favourite locale, the "Bistrot Viena" on Fettstraße. Otherwise, his preferred table at the window directly next to the bar could well be taken.

To a full-bodied glass of red wine, the restaurant always has something new to recommend. Today he tries the wienerschnitzel with cucumber and potato salad – amazingly enough, he has never tried this old-fashioned classic before. After the first few bites, Valantin positively rhapsodises about the dish. For a cellist, how could it be any other way?