German Sustainability Award 2024 for the Orchester des Wandels
The Orchester des Wandels, founded in 2009 by the Staatskapelle Berlin, was awarded the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the culture category yesterday evening. The award ceremony took place as part of the 17th German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf. Markus Bruggaier, orchestral musician of the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Orchestra of Change, accepted the award on behalf of the orchestra.
The award recognizes the orchestra's long-standing commitment to climate, nature and species protection as well as its extraordinary role as a cultural pioneer in sustainable transformation. Since 2009, the Orchester des Wandels has been tackling the climate crisis in creative concert formats and using the emotional power of music to inspire people and motivate them to act sustainably.
“This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of what we have achieved together as musicians and as the Orchester des Wandels. We see it as our cultural mission not only to have an artistic impact, but also to actively contribute to overcoming the greatest challenges of our time - especially the climate crisis. Music has the power to move hearts and initiate change. We are proud that our work serves as a role model for others and hope to reach many more people,” said Markus Bruggaier on accepting the award.
The Staatskapelle Berlin has been a founding member of the Orchester des Wandels since 2009 and has performed numerous climate concerts and charity events in recent years. In cooperation with scientists, local organizations and international projects, the orchestra takes concrete measures to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental projects around the world - from supporting sustainable initiatives in Germany to promoting climate protection projects in Madagascar.
The jury of the German Sustainability Award singled out the Orchester des Wandels as an outstanding example of “cultural change” that sensitizes and mobilizes society both emotionally and rationally for climate protection. This award recognizes the orchestra for its integrative approach, which combines art and sustainability and serves as a model for the cultural sector.
The German Sustainability Award is presented annually to companies and initiatives that present innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges of the present and future in their respective fields. This year, a total of 100 award winners from various sectors were honored. The Orchester des Wandels is one of the 100 pioneers that have distinguished themselves through particularly effective and exemplary contributions to the transformation towards a more sustainable future.
About the Orchester des Wandels
The Orchester des Wandels is an initiative launched by musicians from the Staatskapelle Berlin, which has set itself the task of actively addressing climate change and the protection of natural habitats through music and culture. Through regular benefit concerts and cooperation with scientific experts, the orchestra takes concrete measures to reduce its carbon footprint and support climate protection projects. In addition to music, the orchestra is also committed to inspiring people to take responsibility for the future of our planet.
More information about the Staatskapelle Berlin and the Orchester des Wandels can be found here.
The Staatsoper would like to thank the Friends and Supporters of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and its main partners BMW and the Hilti Foundation for their support.