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The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra is the oldest civic symphony orchestra in the world and it will mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a special concert in Houston on November 3.
Leipzig is about 90 miles from Berlin and was located in East Germany. It was the epicenter of prayers for peace and non-violent protests of communism that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Former Secretary of State James Baker was serving under President George H.W. Bush when the wall fell, and is an honorary chair for the concert.
“The world that I had known for my entire adult life changed, and it changed fundamentally,” Baker said. “So I am very pleased that the Leipzig orchestra is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this magical moment in history with what I am sure will be a magical performance here in our own city of Houston, the sister city of Leipzig.”
After the one-night performance in Houston, the orchestra will also perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Lincoln Center in New York City. Mayor Annise Parker says the Houston Symphony will host the performance in Jones Hall.
“This is an opportunity to make note of history, but also to have an opportunity to experience some really wonderful classical music,” Parker said.
Tickets for the concert will first be offered to Houston Symphony subscribers and will go on sale to the public on July 1.
Mayor Annise Parker, Secretary of State James Baker, and other dignitaries announce historic concert
