75 years of the Esslingen Music School: cheers and a spectacular premiere!

75 years of the Esslingen Music School: cheers and a spectacular premiere!

Last Saturday, November 22nd, the Esslingen Municipal Music School celebrated its 75th anniversary with an impressive anniversary concert in the Neckar Forum. The event attracted numerous visitors and moved the audience from the start. Headmaster Jochen Volle described the founding of the music school in 1950 as an “outstanding pioneering achievement” that has since given many people access to music. The music school is now the oldest singing school in Württemberg and can look back on a proud history.

A particular highlight of the evening was the premiere of an overture suite by Frieder Kögel. This composition, which was created in close collaboration with the music school, includes 14 movements that combine different musical styles from Allemande to Charleston to rap and disco. The tonal diversity that Kögel processed in his overture suite reflects the wide range of instruments and styles represented in the music school. The evening was a tribute not only to the music, but also to the dedicated work that has been done over the last 75 years.

A colorful mix on stage

Around 50 participants, including current students and former graduates, had prepared intensively for the concert in Weikersheim. The youngest participants were around eleven years old and all instrument groups – from strings and wind instruments to choirs and a big band – were represented. Volle emphasized the value of music as a universal language that promotes peaceful coexistence. Mayor Matthias Klopfer also took the opportunity to say a word of greeting to the visitors.

The composition of the program offered both large orchestral experiences as well as smaller, intimate scenes that captivated the audience. Scenic elements and educational moments lightened the concert and ensured a lot of positive feedback. Admission to this special evening was free, demonstrating the music school's openness to the general public.

Current challenges in music education

Amid the celebrations, current challenges affecting music education were also addressed. From 2025, the new annual tax law could raise the question of how music lessons will be classified for tax purposes - as an educational service or as a leisure activity. These changes could significantly influence the tariff structure for music offerings and also affect the appreciation for musical education in society. The German Music Council has published a position paper to highlight the importance of affordable music and cultural education, supported by the signatures of over 105,000 people on a petition.

It remains to be seen how the political decisions will affect the musical landscape in Germany. But on this anniversary evening it was clear that the Esslingen Music School is determined to continue to play a central role in musical training and the promotion of cultural education. When we look back on these 75 years, it becomes clear that the music school is well prepared for the future.

For more information about the event and the music school itself, there are more details on the website Esslinger newspaper and the City of Esslingen. You can also find helpful information about the situation in music education on the website German Music Council.