Neustadt Culture Prize 2025: Schmidt and Pacher in the spotlight!

Neustadt Culture Prize 2025: Schmidt and Pacher in the spotlight!

The Neustadt Culture Prize 2025 will be awarded in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, and the anticipation is palpable! The celebratory event will take place on November 9th at 11 a.m. in the Schmidt Chamber Music Vault Cellar, Mandelring 69. Jörg Sebastian Schmidt, a versatile musician, educator and conductor, receives the award together with the posthumously honored Markus Pacher, a respected founder of the Neustadt Figural Choir and passionate cultural journalist. The award ceremony will be moderated by Michael Landgraf, with Mayor Marc Weigel Schmidt representing and school principal Fritz Burkhardt accepting the award on behalf of Pacher, who unfortunately died unexpectedly shortly before the award ceremony last year.

What makes this event special? The focus is not only on the award winners, but also on the warm connection between the musicians. Schmidt and Elke Schlimbach, who accepted the award on behalf of the late Pacher, share a common musical past. Schmidt used to be Schlimbach's piano teacher, and both violists from the Neustadt Symphony Orchestra recently sat together at the piano for a press photo full of memories. This interaction has a deep symbolic meaning and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, which Schmidt actively helps shape as a source of ideas.

Honor and tradition

The Neustadt Culture Prize is awarded annually by a jury from the City Association for Culture, a network of cultural associations in Neustadt. This award recognizes not only artistic but also educational achievements and sets an example for the commitment of the local cultural scene. “What’s bad about elite culture?” asks an interview with Schmidt, in which he emphasizes the importance and relevance of cultural initiatives in the community. The combination of education and art is a mainstay for the development of young talent in Neustadt.

The event next Sunday will not only be a celebration of honor, but also a commitment to the vibrant cultural landscape. A place where music and community meet - something is happening and preparations are in full swing! The city association attaches great importance to using this award to shine a spotlight on the achievements of people like Schmidt and Pacher and at the same time to inspire residents to actively participate in cultural life.

Further information about the event and the award winners can be found on the website Rhine Palatinate and Weekly newspaper reporter.