Music builds cultural identity, unites people and breaks down cultural barriers. Promoting the musical talents and education of children and young people is especially important to us. In this way, we hope get young people interested in music.
3-2-1 Ignition
As part of our commitment to the ‘Förderverein der Düsseldorfer Tonhalle e.V.’ (Association of the Friends of the Düsseldorf Concert Hall), ERGO supports the musical youth project ‘Junge Tonhalle’.
The ‘3-2-1 Ignition’ project is a series of classical concerts for young people; the relaxed atmosphere of these concerts helps improve the image of classical music among this age group and gives adolescents new access to this music. Every concert features a special theme, set to music by the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra and simultaneously accompanied by visual shots on the Ignition screen.
More information:
www.junge-tonhalle.de (German)
'Singpause' (Singing Break)
'Singpause' is a project of the Düsseldorf Cultural Office and the Municipal Music Association of Düsseldorf; it is currently offered at 32 elementary schools in Düsseldorf. Professional singers visit the pupils in their classrooms, and they work together to develop a broad international repertoire of songs. The children become comfortable with using their voices, and, aside from gaining a feel for music, they also develop a broader vocabulary, improved motor skills and concentration. The annual final concert in the Tonhalle Düsseldorf helps build team spirit and never fails to please the audience.
More information:
www.singpause.de (German)
"Music in the houses of the city" for ergo.com
"Music in the houses of the city" – that's the name of the unconventional festival which has been taking place for 15 years now and gives established artists and young musicians the opportunity to perform at "slightly different" locations, often even in private rooms. The idea to organise concerts in living rooms, shops, offices and other unusual locations as part of a festival was inspired by the musicians themselves who were seeking additional performance opportunities – instead of a sponsorship award. In this spirit, the KunstSalon, a private initiative for promoting art and culture in Cologne, developed the concept of a festival with house concerts.
Besides Cologne, where "Music in the houses of the city" has been taking place regularly from the beginning, further locations have joined the annual event: Hamburg in 2008, the Ruhr region in 2010 and, for the first time, Frankfurt and Bonn in this year. Further cities will participate in the years to come.
In total, 105 concerts will be held this year at the same time during five festival days in five cities. ERGO not only sponsors the project but also hosts performances of newcomers in Cologne and Hamburg. The promotion of young, gifted talents is an important goal of the social engagement of ERGO.
More information:
www.kunstsalon.de (German)