A bicycle as a stage

The idea behind the Berliner Philharmoniker’s Education Programme is to take music to as many people as possible. Initiated in 2002 by the orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle and Deutsche Bank, the Education Programme celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, Deutsche Bank has given a special birthday present: the VeloStage, a mobile stage that allows music to be taken out of the Philharmonie Berlin and performed at many different venues, both in Berlin and on the orchestra’s tours. At a press conference, Anna Herrhausen, Global Head Art & Culture Deutsche Bank, presented the unusual vehicle to general manager Andrea Zietzschmann.

Folded up, the VeloStage looks like a large cargo bike. However, the wooden side walls of the transport box can be folded out to form a small stage that – when viewed from above – resembles a large butterfly. Albrecht Mayer, principal oboe of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and three young students from the Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin launched the VeloStage musically with a rondo by Mozart.

The first uses of the environmentally friendly bicycle stage are already planned: during the Open Day on 12 June, for example, a speed dating session with musicians from the Berliner Philharmoniker will take place on the VeloStage for the public. And during the Long Night of Museums on 27 August, chamber music will be performed by members of the orchestra on the mobile stage in front of Deutsche Bank’s Palais Populaire.

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