Art and music combined: Mendelssohn's Paulus” inspires in Passau!

Art and music combined: Mendelssohn's Paulus” inspires in Passau!

On July 12, 2025, the St. Michael Church in Passau was transformed into a place for contemporary art and music, while the “European Weeks” presented their varied program. The event, which began at 7:30 p.m. and ran until 10:30 p.m., offered an exciting combination of literature and classical music, with actress Paula-Maria Kirschner giving a reading from Franz Kafka's well-known work “The Metamorphosis.” Musical interludes, including works by Bedřich Smetana and Viktor Ullmann, underscored the contemporary and historical references that continue to influence Kafka's work today. The atmosphere of St. Michael Church, which promotes a close connection to literature and music, made for an intense listening experience.

Another highlight of this festival was the symposium, which was opened by the director of the Passau Festival, Carsten Gerhard, on July 16, 2025. With the provocative question “What is art?” He encouraged the participants to think about the role of art in today's society. Gerhard admitted that there could be no easy answers in just a half-day symposium. Regarding the origins of the European Weeks, which began in 1952 with the motto “We demand a United States of Europe!” The event aims to promote art as a means of overcoming cultural and political barriers.

Lectures and discussions

Political scientist Heinrich Oberreuter argued during the symposium that “Luther and the Weimar Classics” can be seen as turning points in history that overcame “socialism and Honecker”. Oberreuter made it clear that the freedom of art is closely linked to the freedom of society. Moderated by art historian Margarete Pratschke, controversial discussions took place about whether art creates or needs more freedom. Cultural scientist Wolfgang Ullrich discussed that over the last three decades, art has increasingly moved away from the idea of ​​autonomy and cooperated more with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Georg W. Bertram from the Free University of Berlin coined the term “affordances” to describe how works of art open up possibilities for action and provide unexpected impulses. His idea that the effects of art are not predetermined and that there is often no clear separation between high and pop culture stimulated those present to think.

Emotional performances

After the intensive lectures and discussions, the performance of Mendelssohn's “Paulus” was the emotional highlight of the evening. The performance, designed by the Audi Youth Choir Academy and the Academy for Early Music Berlin, impressed with its intimacy and dramaturgy. In particular, the final chorus, which proclaimed that the “crown of righteousness” applies to everyone and not just Paul, ensured that the audience flowed out of the church with a feeling of lightness and joy. It was an impressive conclusion to an evening that impressively showcased the powers of art and music.

In summary, the “European Weeks” event series is not only a place for art and cultural exchange, but also a platform that raises essential questions about the role of art in our society. The combination of literary and musical performances not only delights fans of classical music, but also literature lovers and those interested in culture.

For those interested: Further information about Mendelssohn's “Paulus” and the festival can be found in the article from the FAZ and up appointments.de.