From Brainwave to Movement: When a Vision Learns to Walk

We went to the Ore Mountains for three days for a big family reunion. Yesterday the sun was still shining on the deeply snow-covered mountain landscape, today strong thawing has set in. But the children are undeterred; they defy the mud with sleds and bum sliders. I use this midday calm for a quiet review of our started Beethoven Tour.

What was born as a mere idea last fall took on its first digital form at the end of January with the go-live of our website. Since then, a lot has happened. Our Tour Team is growing steadily, and even Ludwig van Beethoven himself seems to be changing. After initial hesitation, he is slowly arriving in the here and now. It is fascinating to observe how he undertakes solo day trips in Vienna and his revitalized spirit breaks through in the form of composed 'word symphonies.'

The response has been tremendous so far. With the Dresden Festival 'Palais Summer' we already have a strong partner on board for our 2027 European tour. Countless phone calls, personal meetings, and video conferences over the past few weeks show me: This idea has long since become a movement. The consensus is unanimous: It is an exciting thing to travel with a living Beethoven.

One can truly be curious about how it will continue. The next major milestone is already casting its shadow: Our Opening press conference on March 26 – exactly one year to the day before the 200th anniversary of the master's death. The first pages of the score for the future are written, now we begin to play them.