Musethica at the Philharmonie Essen
From Monday, June 3, 2024, to Friday, June 7, 2024, the first edition of the program "Philharmonie vor Ort - Musethica" took place in Essen in cooperation with the Philharmonie Essen.
In five days, young violinist Sławomira Wilga and cellist Oliwia Meiser, along with tutor Avri Levitan, performed 12 concerts in various social institutions in and around Essen. Together, they reached over 400 people who usually have little or no access to classical music. The closing concert took place in the Concert Hall of the Philharmonie Essen as part of the season 2024/25 presentation, with more than 300 listeners. Within one week, the young musicians gained numerous professional experiences and had the opportunity to perform regularly as soloists and chamber musicians, thus improving their music directly through practice.
The response of the audience to the social concerts was overwhelming. It was particularly moving to see how the music touched and inspired people in various social institutions. The children of Möllhovenschule (a special needs school with a focus on learning, social, and emotional development) listened attentively and asked interesting and profound questions. The inmates of JVA Essen (incarceration facility) shared their feelings and thoughts, which one would not expect from a standard concert audience, and many staff members, listeners, and other attendees had tears in their eyes during our concerts.
It was inspiring to experience how classical music can equally move people in various life situations, regardless of whether they have had previous contact with it. This project has shown us how important and valuable culture is for all parts of society.
We are looking forward to pursue the collaboration with the Philharmonie Essen in 2025 and are excited about upcoming enriching concerts.
