Axel Milberg is one of the most successful actors in Germany. Together with the pianist Caspar Frantz, who was also born in Kiel, Milberg examines the exciting question of whether and to what extent Johannes Brahms' artistic personality was shaped by his childhood and youth in northern Germany in the literary-musical program specially put together for the SHMF. Contemporaries and fellow musicians such as Brahms' friend and mentor Robert Schumann have their say, as well as Gustav Jenner, who was born on Sylt and was honored to have been Brahms' only composition student. Jenner was a welcome guest in Theodor Storm's house, who, like him, is able to give amusing insights into the cultural life of Schleswig-Holstein at the time. Piano music by Brahms, Schumann and Jenner brings »Brahms and the North« to life in a unique way.