Donaueschinger Musiktage 2020 cancelled // Opening concert on air
The Donaueschinger Musiktage 2020 are cancelled. But on Friday, October 16, 2020, SWR 2 will broadcast a recording of a rehearsal for the opening concert. Under the direction of Titus Engel, the SWR Symphony Orchestra will play six orchestral miniatures by Klaus Lang, Mica Levi, Cathy Milliken, Lula Romero, Oliver Schneller and Michael Wertmüller – all these works are compositions for small orchestra, which were alreay composed with regard to the special hygienic conditions at the festival.
The traditional festival, which is the oldest and one of the most important festivals for New Music, was scheduled to open its doors on October 15, 2020. However, in view of the ban on accommodation and the drastically increasing figures of corona infections, those responsible felt compelled to cancel. The safety of the performers, of all who work on and behind the stage and the health of the audience had been the top priority in this decision. “In view of the rapid development of the past few days, we had no other choice. It is frustrating and incredibly painful to have to cancel the festival so shortly before it should have started. My sympathy goes to all the musicians, composers and artists who have invested so much in this festival, and to all the staff of the festival who have really done everything for weeks to be able to perform the concerts even under these difficult conditions””, said Börn Gottstein, artistic director of the Donaueschinger Musiktage. A total of 25 world premieres were planned for this year. Next year the festival celebrates its 100th anniversary.
