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Anniversary exchange: 48 young musicians from the Czech Republic come to Baunatal!
Baunatal celebrates 20 years of music school exchange with Vrchlabi: concerts from June 18th to 20th, 2025 strengthen intercultural friendship.
Anniversary exchange: 48 young musicians from the Czech Republic come to Baunatal!
An exciting weekend is coming: From June 16th to 22nd, 2025, a delegation of 48 young music students and teachers from the Czech twin town of Vrchlabi will be coming to Baunatal. This upcoming meeting marks a record number of participants in the 21st year of the lively exchange, which has already existed for over 20 years. Music school director Joachim Arndt proudly shows gifts brought by the music students and teachers from Vrchlabi and is looking forward to the upcoming events.
The roots of this musical connection go back to 2004, when the then head of the Vrchlabi music school took the initiative for this exchange during a visit to Baunatal. What began as mutual visits between big bands has developed over time into a comprehensive collaboration that now also includes various ensembles. Despite the smaller number of students in Vrchlabi, which only accounts for about a seventh of the music students in Baunatal, the community has established a remarkable music education program that is not only cost-effective but also intensive.
Cultural highlights and community
The anticipation for the upcoming concerts can be felt everywhere. The Baunatal students, parents and teachers are looking forward to the visit from the Czech Republic and the associated shared experiences, which often culminate in lasting friendships between the two nations. “Regular visits and the exchange of ideas have always given us unforgettable moments,” says a teacher from the Baunatal music school.
The guests are accommodated in German host families, which further intensifies the intercultural exchange. The highlights of the visit are certainly the two concerts that take place directly in front of the audience: a chamber concert will take place on June 18th in the Kirchbauna fortified church, followed by an orchestral concert on June 20th in the foyer of the Baunatal music school. Entry to both events is free, which makes the events a real community experience.
Funding and support
The exchange is supported by a funding program from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs as well as contributions from the Baunatal Music School and the city of Baunatal. It is estimated that around 2,000 members and lecturers from both music schools have taken part in these exchanges in the past. These initiatives not only promote young people's musical skills, but also intercultural understanding and friendships across national borders.
“We are excited to see what the coming days will bring,” adds Arndt. When music connects, then hearts are ready to open and build a bridge between cultures. There will certainly be a big celebration of music, friendship and exchange again this year in Baunatal. We can be excited!