"Simply Saxony.": Gewandhaus Orchestra thrills crowd with open-air premiere in the heart of New York

"Simply Saxony.": Gewandhaus Orchestra thrills crowd with open-air premiere in the heart of New York

Leipzig ensemble's spontaneous performance wows New York; Highly symbolic performance on 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

NEW YORK and LEIPZIG, Germany, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The impromptu concert by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra was a striking illustration that words are not needed to make a big statement: 25 years to the day since the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, the musicians thrilled the New York public with a surprise open-air concert. The city, which more than most stands for the values of freedom and independence, enjoyed a very special Saxon moment. To spontaneous applause, the world-famous orchestra played an exclusive premiere of a Michael Nyman work fittingly entitled "manhata". The link between the name of the piece and the location was not the only reason the work left a lasting impression on New Yorkers, as was clear from the enthusiastic response of the large crowd.

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"As ambassadors of the Federal State of Saxony, it is of great personal importance to us that we are able to share the common language of music on this very special day and in this particular place. The sense of freedom and liberation which is so central to us and remains as pronounced today as it was 25 years ago, flourishes in this cosmopolitan city with its many cultures, its differences but also its similarities," said Gewandhaus executive director Professor Andreas Schulz, speaking after the event.

The orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Chailly, is an ambassador of the "Simply Saxony." campaign, carrying the reputation of Saxon art and culture beyond the borders of Germany and Europe. With 185 musicians, it is considered to be the world's largest professional orchestra.

Film material, which can be used free of charge, is available for download here:
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The background to "Simply Saxony."

A promotional campaign for Saxony with the slogan "Simply Saxony." has been running since autumn 2014. The campaign focuses on the strengths of the Free State: its breathtaking landscape, world-famous sights and broad cultural offering. "Simply Saxony." also highlights Saxony as a leading location for business and science, and emphasises the typical Saxon traits of enthusiasm for innovation and investment, creativity, inventiveness, a down-to-earth attitude and strong commitment to family-friendly practices. Read more about the Saxons who make things happen at http://www.so-geht-saechsisch.de .

Press contact:
Linda Brandt
Desk Officer, Public Relations

STATE CHANCELLERY OF SAXONY
Public Relations


Tel.: +49 351 564 1348
Mobile: +49 173 961 5003
Fax: +49 351 564 1359
E-mail: linda.brandt@sk.sachsen.de

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141110/714558

A picture accompanying this release is available in the AP PhotoExpress feed using ref# PRN123

SOURCE Simply Saxony. Free State of Saxony/Sachsen

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141110/714558
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Simply Saxony. Free State of Saxony/Sachsen

Web Site: http://www.so-geht-saechsisch.de


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