Music Festival

Dear Music Friends,

Music thrives on contrasts, on the clash of emotions and the change of atmosphere and colors. After our exploration of the »New World«, the 2010 Music Festival will turn its focus to the East, presenting a grand retrospective of the rich world of Russian music under the imaginary title »Russlandia«. Especially during the 20th century, the dramatic tension between East and West became a creative source for Russian genius, both among composers and interpreters. Geographically and culturally, Dresden is located in the middle, between East and West. The Dresden Music Festival was founded during the cold war, when the influence of the Soviet Union in the GDR permeated every aspect of daily life.

Twenty years have passed since the »iron curtain« fell, and it is time to take a fresh look at works by Russian composers and their modern interpreters. The Dresden Music Festival stands for the great diversity of music and for communication between people. Therefore, in addition to »Dresden in song & music« we have initiated the projects »Let’s Dance!« and »Anatevka« (»Fiddler on the Roof«), which allow all the citizens of Dresden to participate in a creative way in the Music Festival. I look forward to many fascinating encounters with you in Dresden. Our thanks to all the sponsors and public and private supporters whose help makes the realization of musical visions possible.

Yours sincerely

Jan Vogler
[Intendant]