#bfree

The borders are open - be it between countries or genres, between languages or instruments, or between individual characteristics and commonalities. Inspired by Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the "European Symphony", Stegreif combines folk songs from around Europe with elements of Beethoven's monumental work. This symphony, sung directly from the hearts of the people, unites the continent into a single colourful country. With this concert project, the improvising orchestra has once again taken up the task of opening up new approaches to classical music for the audience, creating a performance that is interwoven with various "folk musics" from the musicians' countries of origin. Through playing by memory and performing without a conductor and without fixed seating, the young musicians enjoy both a sense of freedom and space to improvise.

#bfree was created as part of the #beethoven project as a contribution to the Beethoven Year 2020. #bfree came of age during the pandemic became a different production than originally planned. Not only the process, but also the result were shaped by the crisis: Where Stegreif usually seeks closeness and motion, there were social distancing and other constraints. The possibilities for movement on stage were limited, direct contact with the audience impossible. And yet it has become a work about freedom, about longing for intimacy and togetherness, about flight – across all borders.

Fotos: Navina Neuschl