MERITA concerts in heritage sites in Potsdam, Nicosia and Copenhagen

Concerts | September 9, 2024

In June 2024, Europa Nostra co-organised three enchanting MERITA concerts in iconic heritage sites, namely the Winzeberg Royal Vineyard in Potsdam (Germany), the Friluftsskolen Open-Air School in Copenhagen (Denmark) – both winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards – and the ARTE Music Academy in Nicosia (Cyprus).

“The MERITA concerts in Potsdam, Nicosia, and Copenhagen were truly magical, showcasing the incredible synergy between music and heritage. These events breathed new life into heritage sites, creating a deeper connection between the audience and the places. By bringing music into these iconic spaces, we not only amplify the visibility of heritage sites but also offer musicians and audiences an unforgettable experience. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate and preserve Europe’s rich cultural legacy.” These are the words from Elena Bianchi, Programme Manager European Heritage Awards at Europa Nostra.

Karski Quartet at Winzeberg Royal Vineyard in Potsdam, 13 June 2024

On the afternoon of 13 June, the Winzeberg Royal Vineyard in Potsdam staged a wonderful concert by the Karski Quartet from Belgium. Drawing inspiration from the vineyard, their captivating repertoire blended classical tunes with folk melodies and modern compositions, showcasing the intrinsic connection between music and nature. The high-quality performance by the Karski Quartet, which included pieces composed by Antonio Vivaldi and Szymon Laks, perfectly harmonised with the surroundings and dragged the public into a complete immersion in the natural atmosphere.

Kandinsky Quartet at Arte Music Academy in Nicosia, 21 June 2024

On the occasion of the International Music Day, the second concert was held on the evening of 21 June at the ARTE Music Academy in Nicosia. The Kandinsky Quartet from Austria offered a reflection on conflict and peace through the eyes of poets. The repertoire included musical pieces by Dmitri Šostakovič and recitations of literary excerpts from poets who have lived through the atrocities of conflicts. By interweaving music, narration and poetry, the young ensemble from Vienna aimed to encourage a deeper reflection on the importance of peace.

Antarja Quartet at Friluftsskolen Open-Air School in Copenhagen, 25 June 2024

The third concert was held on 25 June at the Friluftsskolen Open-Air School in Copenhagen. The Antarja String Quartet from Poland performed ‘Painted by Music,’ a special concert where music and art brought together the pupils with disabilities of the school and other specially invited guests. The concert consisted of two performances which gathered 40 students in total. The children, aged from 8 to 16-years-old, had the unique opportunity to be the protagonists of a participatory performance, which included a painting session. Inspired by the notes and the emotions triggered by a carefully selected repertoire, the youngsters were asked to give free expression to their feelings and transmit them into colours and shapes.

Antarja Quartet, Ettie and Christian at Hørbygaard, 26 June 2024

Here is the testimony of Ettie Castenskiold, President of Europa Nostra Denmark, who very closely supported the organization of the concert. “There is a mutual benefit for both musicians and heritage buildings, when they are brought together. When the frame of the concert is special, it gives a new dimension to the music. The building brings a new dimension to the music and the music brings new attention to the building. So, it adds value for both. The building will be exposed to a new audience and the musicians get new listeners, whom they would not have met. It is a very fantastic initiative. From Ida Andersen Krabbe, Director of the Friluftsskolen Open-Air School, we heard that the Antarja concert at The Open-Air school had a magic meeting with the handicapped children who enjoyed meeting live music and real musicians, and it obviously gave them a very intensive experience. What the Antarjas did for the children at the OpenAir School could benefit all children, but especially children with disabilities. As President of Europa Nostra Denmark, my biggest takeaway from this experience is that music in heritage sites brings a magical dimension to both.”

All in all, for Europa Nostra, the main takeaways from these first three MERITA concerts include engaging enthusiastic people as a key to success and realizing collateral events as a pay back effort to create new synergies and amplify MERITA’s impact and legacy. New concerts are on their way in other enchanting venues, starting from MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland on September 29th.