Concert for the Nations
Das „Konzert für die Nationen“ bildet jedes Jahr im Herbst den Höhepunkt der Konzerte des Symphonieorchesters der Universität der Künste Berlin. Sehen Sie hier die Aufzeichnungen der vergangenen Jahre.
Concert for the Nations 2013
Friday, 15th November 2013, 8 pm
Concert Hall of the UdK Berlin, Hardenbergstraße/corner of Fasanenstraße, 10623 Berlin
Concert for the Nations 2013
Under the patronage of H. E. Jerzy Margański, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major op. 73
Sergej Prokofjew: Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major op. 100
Symphony Orchestra of Berlin University of the Arts
Steven Sloane, conductor
Words of greeting from the Ambassador
It is a great pleasure and honour for me to take on the patronage of this year's Concert for the Nations. It is already the 12th in this series of concerts organized every year by Berlin University of the Arts. Of course, this is only one of the many outstanding events offering encounters with music arranged by the UdK Berlin, but it is also very special, as these concerts give the university chance to show its international aspect. Such international character, or so it seems to me, is a trademark of this city as well. It draws artists, including musicians, as if by magic. There are many Poles among them, who have made Berlin into their place to live or study, and can realize their potential within Berlin's musical life. For many, this city and this university represent a great opportunity, to be taken at all cost. And my compatriots are doing just that, starting at the UdK Berlin and continuing even into the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Music is a tremendously important component of every country's cultural and social life. It reflects the key events of every epoch and thus becomes a history book of a very special nature. It is for that reason that I would like to recommend to you a journey into the world of Polish music. Experience the great musical centres of Poland like Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, or Białystok with its newly erected opera house. Let me invite you in advance to plan a visit to Wrocław and the National Music Forum that is being established there. Wrocław will be the European Cultural Capital in 2016. Do not miss out. Music is what can unite all the peoples of this world despite their differences. It is universal, it is like a language that we all understand. And so I hope that this musical evening will prove unforgettable for you all. I wish the musicians every success and the audience great pleasure in their performances.
Dr. Jerzy Margański
Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Berlin