Beethovenfestival in Bonn begins

"Act responsibly". That, too, is part of Deutsche Telekom's corporate strategy. And we are doing just that. With our network expansion, which ensures participation. (We keep on building!) With sustainability, which secures the future. But also with our cultural commitment, which ensures community, provides new impetus and holds up a mirror to us as a society. Whether with modern art or with "old classics." As a Group headquartered in Bonn, Beethoven is of course one of them. And we are delighted that our Beethovenfest is finally beginning.

Today is the day: the Beethovenfest 2021 begins. Ahead of us lies a long-awaited festival with great musical experiences, visitors from everywhere and finally live concerts again. Last year, due to the pandemic, all concerts as well as the planned festivities in honor of Ludwig van Beethoven's 250th birthday had to be cancelled.

But now the forced break has come to an end. For 22 days, music lovers from numerous countries, top international soloists and ensembles, as well as highly talented young artists will meet in the Beethoven city of Bonn. And together they will experience the genius of the great composer. Until September 10, Bonn will not only be a center of culture in Germany, but also a center of communication and encounter - naturally under strict hygiene regulations. You find tickets here.

It is therefore wonderfully fitting that the festival begins with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the "Ode to Joy". With this work, Beethoven has given us an immortal message of hope, optimism, unity, and joy. In difficult times we need this message more than ever.

The "political" Beethoven

In general, Beethoven's works are of particular relevance in politically and socially uncertain times. He was not only a brilliant composer who led classical music into the modern age - with works that still sound fresh and new today. Often lost in his appreciation is the fact that he was also a decidedly political artist. He was a revolutionary, not only in the musical realm, where he inspired and offended. In his time, he was also an engaged citizen and thinker. His passion for the ideals of tolerance, brotherhood and freedom is reflected in many of his works. That, too, accounts for their enduring fascination and inspiration.

Telekom has been one of the main sponsors of the Beethoven Festival for many years. Even in times of crisis, we are committed to music and culture in Beethoven's native city of Bonn with conviction and enthusiasm. We are and will remain a reliable partner of the Beethovenfest.

Another musical highlight for me this summer is the European Cultural Awards Gala at the Bonn Opera House on August 28, where many outstanding artists will be honored. On this evening, I will present the European Culture Award to the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn, with which Deutsche Telekom has a long-standing friendship and partnership. We will broadcast the gala exclusively on the Internet on MagentaMusic360 and Magenta TV - for everyone who can't be there #inperson.

Virtual concerts have been everyday life for us for many months. They have also enabled and shown us wonderful cultural experiences: We stay connected - even in times of necessary physical distance. Thanks to digital technologies. Nevertheless, musicians and music fans long for normality, for live concerts, live audiences and personal participation. Because culture thrives on encounters. The direct exchange of energy between artists and audience is the magical key element of live concerts. The guests of the Beethoven Festival will be able to experience this once again.

Resurrection

Nevertheless, the concert experience will be different than in pre-pandemic times. A minimum distance to others and a mask outside of one's seat are still required. The Beethovenfest organization team, under the direction of Nike Wagner, has therefore not only created a first-class program, but also implemented a comprehensive security concept to protect concertgoers.

This year, the Beethovenfest is appropriately themed "Resurrection". Together with all Bonners, with the visitors and especially with the artists who have suffered particularly from the restrictions caused by the pandemic, we are looking forward to the "resurrection" of the Beethovenfest Bonn.

Amid the social and emotional "impositions" caused by the pandemic, this cultural highlight will hopefully bring more joie de vivre and lightness back into our lives.??