Participatory concert in Eichstätt: music festival for the whole family!

Participatory concert in Eichstätt: music festival for the whole family!

A *participatory concert* for the youngest music lovers took place today in the auditorium of the Catholic University of Eichstätt. Organized by the Music Department, the event was aimed at music fans aged five and over, their parents and even grandparents. The approximately 60 musicians of the symphony orchestra under the direction of Uwe Sochaczewsky offered an exciting program that included Hungarian dances by Johannes Brahms as well as the popular work *Danzón No. 2* by the Mexican composer Arturo Márquez. The visitors were not only allowed to listen, but also become active themselves and, among other things, conduct.

A highlight of the afternoon was the opportunity for children to provide musical accompaniment to the performances with body percussion. The event was all about *early musical education*, which plays an important role in the development of young people. Studies have shown that musical education improves not only musical skills, but also cognitive skills such as linguistic skills and mathematical thinking. These aspects were vividly conveyed at the concert, which was great fun for the young listeners and their companions. Education server emphasizes that exposure to music should begin in early childhood in order to promote development.

Danzon No. 2 – A musical masterpiece

The *Danzón No. 2* by Arturo Márquez is one of the most popular contemporary pieces of Mexican classical orchestral music. It premiered in Mexico City in 1994 and reflects the lively Cuban dance style deeply rooted in the folklore of the Mexican state of Veracruz. The piece's worldwide popularity grew significantly when it was added to the repertoire of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel in 2007.

The performance as part of the concert showed how rhythmic variations and tempos offer the listeners an intense experience. The children were visibly excited by the varied sounds and the opportunity to actively participate. Wikipedia reports on the uniqueness of the work, which also includes solos for various instruments such as clarinet, oboe and trumpet. Each of these instruments brought a special touch to the concert.

A celebration for the entire family

The successful combination of entertainment and educational standards showed how important such events are in promoting interest in music at an early stage. Music is not only an expression of creativity, but also a tool for developing social and emotional skills. The hands-on concert in Eichstätt was therefore more than just a musical event - it was a real celebration for the whole family that awakened a love of music and at the same time provided valuable learning impulses.

The visitors, young and old, agree: There should be more events like this in the future where music can be experienced! The success of this concert clearly shows that the combination of active participation and classical music has a good hand.