Beethoven International Youth Festival

New date to be announced

Join Choirs and Orchestras from all over the world at the Beethoven International Choral Festival

 

Festival highlights include:

 

Description

 
The Beethovenfest (Beethoven Festival) is a festival of classical music in Bonn, Germany, dedicated mostly to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven who was born there. It dates back to 1845, when the composer's 75th anniversary of birth was celebrated with unveiling his monument and performing major works
First held irregularly, it is now an annual event, presenting around 70 concerts of international orchestras, ensembles and soloists in more than 20 venues in the town and the region.
The Beethovenfest was first held in 1845, when a festival of three days celebrated the 75th anniversary of the composer's birth. The Beethoven monument was unveiled on 12 August 1845 as part of the festivities, which were attended by the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV, the British Queen Victoria, Alexander von Humboldt, and Hector Berlioz. Among the conductors then were Franz Liszt and Louis Spohr, who conducted the Missa solemnis and the Ninth Symphony. In 1894, all nine symphonies were performed for the first time.

 

Deadline for registration

Applications Open

 

Itinerary

Monday 22nd JUN 2020:
Afternoon arrival of international orchestras and choirs in Bonn.
 
Tuesday 23rd JUN 2020:
Morning visit to one of various Bonn schools. Short performance or joint concert with German school orchestra and/or choir. Exchange program and classroom visit.
Afternoon rehearsal for those orchestras and choirs who will perform tonight at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg (festival hall). Those who will not perform tonight embark on a boat cruise on the Rhine river or enjoy a visit to Drachenfels mountain. Evening first shared concert at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg. (4 – 5 international orchestras /choirs, 20 – 30 min. performance each)
 
Wednesday 24th JUN 2020:
Morning guided walking city tour of Bonn on Beethoven´s traces. Official reception by Bonn mayor or city representative. Afternoon rehearsal for those orchestras and choirs who will perform tonight at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg (festival hall). Those who will not perform tonight embark on a boat cruise on the Rhine river or enjoy a visit to Drachenfels mountain. Evening second shared concert at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg. (4 – 5 international orchestras / choirs, 20 – 30 min. performance each)
 
Thursday 25th JUN 2020:
Morning guided excursion to Cologne including visit of Cologne cathedral. Afternoon joint final concert of all participating international orchestras and choirs as well as participating German school orchestras and choirs at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg (10 min. performance
each, massed performance of “Ode to Joy”), followed by farewell party at the hall with all participants.
 
Friday 26th JUN 2020:
Individual departures
 
 

Programme

Marking the 250th anniversary of Beethoven´s birth in Bonn in 1770, we invite young musicians from all over the world in June 2020 to celebrate the Beethoven International Youth Festival in Bonn. Beethoven himself expressed his hope for world peace when he created his Ninth Symphony in 1824, working the fourth movement around the lyrics of Schiller´s poem “Ode to Joy”. During the Beethoven International Youth Festival in Bonn various performances and joint concerts of international and German orchestras and choirs will bring young people together and promote international understanding and cultural exchange. Young musicians from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to share their music and to perform in a concert hall for an appreciative audience of up to 800 people.
All participating orchestras and choirs are requested to perform at least 1 piece by Beethoven and at least 1 piece that is typical for their country. Ode to Joy will be performed by all participants together on the final joint concert.
Note:
We will provide an official invitation to those orchestras and choirs who need to get permission from their schools for extracurricular activities.
 

Your Festival Ground Arrangements Include:

Price:
300 - 600 EUR per person depending on category of accommodation and group size.
Inclusions:
  • 4 nights at hotel Mercure Bonn Hardtberg**** / Hotel Residence Bonn city**** (twin/triple share) /Youth Hostel Bonn (multi-bedded rooms) or similar categories including breakfast
  • 3 lunches and 3 dinners, drinks excluded
  • English speaking tour escorts during the whole stay
  • Sightseeing and program as per itinerary (transfers by motor coach excluded)
  • Concert and exchange program at local school as per itinerary
  • Rehearsals and concerts at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg as per itinerary
  • Farewell party including fingerfood and soft drinks at Stadthalle Bad Godesberg
Exclusions:
  • Additional concerts and extension program
  • Coach transfers (not necessary for groups arriving by own coach, groups arriving by plane please contact us for prices)
  • Drinks (except at farewell party)
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Airfares
  • Instrument rental (can be arranged at extra charge)

Transportation:

Choirs can reach the concert venues by subway (or public bus) from the hotel or we can offer optional coach transfers.  We recommend that larger groups consider the use of a coach for the transfers.