The Gewandhaus zu Leipzig has shone as a world-class institution for centuries. In order to secure its future and to promote art and culture – particularly music – the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig (Gewandhaus zu Leipzig Future Foundation) was established.
A vision for the future of music
The Gewandhausorchester is one of the most outstanding orchestras in the world. The Gewandhaus itself also lays just claim to its place among the upper echelons of the planet’s most renowned concert halls. In pursuance of preserving the Gewandhausorchester’s preeminent standing, the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig is committed to providing long-term financial support for a diverse range of projects.
The Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig was established in 2023 on the initiative of Gewandhaus General Director, Prof. Andreas Schulz. Uniting numerous committed citizens, the Stiftung continues the history of the 16 merchants and traders who founded the Gewandhausorchester in 1743 in the form of a private foundation, the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig. The Foundation complements the existing funding from the City of Leipzig and the support of both the Society of Friends of the Gewandhaus and the Gewandhaus Sponsors Club, thus making a significant contribution to the preservation and the further development of both the Gewandhaus and its orchestra.
© Gert Mothes
The vision of the Foundation
The Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig enables the Gewandhausorchester to sustain and perpetuate its tradition, while simultaneously being an initiator of the new. The deeply rooted, well-established encounters the innovative, the unknown and the extraordinary:
The advocacy and advancement of the Gewandhausorchester: The Gewandhausorchester is supported in maintaining and advancing its position at the forefront of the world’s preeminent orchestras. This includes the financing of programmes to promote young talent, the purchase of new musical instruments and the financial support of concert tours.
The furtherance of musical education: In order to promote musical education in Leipzig and the region, the Stiftung Zukunft Gewandhaus zu Leipzig supports music projects in schools and kindergartens, finances scholarships for young musicians (Mendelssohn Orchestra Academy) and presents workshops and masterclasses.
The preservation and development of the Gewandhaus: The Gewandhaus is to be preserved and further developed as a concert hall and as a broader cultural centre. This includes the financing of renovation and refurbishment, the expansion of the programme on offer to the public and the financial support of new, innovative projects.
The idea behind the foundation
The foundation’s funds are intended for the purpose of promoting art and culture – in particular music – and of international and national cultural exchange. In addition, the foundation supports music education for all age groups, promotes science and research and contributes to a multitude of charitable causes.
The acquisition of musical instruments of superlative quality for the Gewandhaus, the Gewandhausorchester, the Mendelssohn Orchestra Academy and other potential future establishments or ensembles.
The realisation of concert tours, both within and beyond the borders of Germany, particularly those of the Gewandhausorchester, the Gewandhaus Choirs, the Gewandhaus Organist and the Gewandhaus chamber music ensembles.
The realisation of both national and international projects in the cause of cultural exchange.
The subsidy of the Mendelssohn Orchestra Academy, the sponsorship of national and international cooperation with other academies and the support of talented young musicians, particularly those from the southern hemisphere (e.g. South Africa and India).
The support of the Gewandhaus choirs’ work with young talent.
The initiation of educational projects of the most diverse nature at the Gewandhaus, in Leipzig and on Gewandhausorchester concert tours.
The funding of the commissioning of new compositions of diverse nature for the Gewandhausorchester, the Gewandhaus choirs, the Gewandhaus Organist, the Gewandhaus chamber music ensembles and the Mendelssohn Orchestra Academy.
The subsidy of the Gewandhaus Composer.
The support of exceptional projects (e.g. festivals, focus series, gala concerts, choirs, chamber music, organ, etc.).
The realisation of multimedia (e.g. audio/video streams) and digital projects (e.g. CD, DVD and other formats), particularly those of Gewandhaus Radio.
The support of research ventures, publications, exhibitions, digitalization initiatives and scientific scholarships.
The acquisition of historical artifacts (e.g. manuscripts, documents, relics, etc.).
The support of the fine arts in the Gewandhaus (preservation, restoration and contextually changing presentation of existing artworks and galleries, the acquisition of artworks for new galleries).