Corona has the cultural sector firmly on the bit. And we have long delayed informing our musicians and the public. For although it was soon clear that this would not be a normal year: There is still some hope that the German Rhine Philharmonic Orchesta will be able to meet again in 2020 to give concerts.
Beethoven in the Balkans?
However, as far as our concert tour of the Western Balkan countries planned for autumn 2020 is concerned, we now had to make a final decision against it. Although there are studies on the transmission of the corona virus among orchestral musicians, which give some hope (see for example the report on this by BR Klassik). But even if rehearsals should soon be possible again under unusual circumstances: A concert tour with full concert halls, a choir of almost 100 members, hotel accommodation and air and bus travel is simply not plannable at the moment, given the uncertainty about what the coming months will bring.
We will do everything we can to make up for the 2021 tour, even if Beethoven’s anniversary and the German Presidency of the EU will then already be in the past.
Our partner institutions in the Balkans, like most cultural institutions, have been hit hard by the pandemic crisis. We hope that the coming year will be marked by joyful events and that the cultural sector will once again be able to enrich people’s lives in the usual way.
We would also be delighted if the Federal Foreign Office would continue to support us after the strains of this extraordinary time. For this year, the institution had promised us extremely generous support for the project.
Engels2020?
We still hope that the concert planned for Engels 2020 can take place in Wuppertal – perhaps also at a later date. We will keep you informed about this.
We are happy about all those who remain loyal to us even after these confusing times and wish everyone health and confidence!