Concerts with all senses

Four artists played a special role in the last festival: Daniel Cremer, Anselm Dalferth, Franziska Ritter and Christian Siegmund were the experience designers behind Beethovenfest 2025. They brought the motto »Alles ultra« to life with concert experiences that went beyond the norm. Read on to hear about their work in their own words.

»Many of our brilliant ideas come about spontaneously, whether that’s while cycling, during everyday life, in the shower in the morning, or over a beer after work.« – Franziska & Christian

»First, we gather ideas and as much information as possible about the concert and its procedures.« – Anselm

»I usually start by looking at the architectural features of the venue. What unused potential for encounters is there? What is permitted in terms of fire safety, and what is organisationally possible?« – Daniel

»Nevertheless, we usually start by thoroughly inspecting the venue where the concert is to take place, analysing the conditions. What is already in place? What will happen on stage? What theme or atmosphere should characterise the evening? Who is the audience? Who do we want to reach, and what message do we want to convey? What emotional transformation should take place in the audience?« – Franziska & Christian

»I look for intellectual, musical and dramaturgical themes in the concert programme that we can incorporate into the experience design, ensuring it is integral to the event’s DNA.« – Daniel

Anselm: »The Beethoven Chapter motorcycle club made a surprise musical appearance with their Harley Davidsons after the concert with Iveta Apkalna & Gábor Boldoczki. An absolute highlight!«

Anselm: »One of my favourite moments was the ear massage to warm up the audience before the concert with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, followed by cooling down with ice cream after the concert. I was also delighted by the ›UltraCello‹ flash mob, which featured an incredible number of audience cellists at the concert of the 12 Cellists.«

Franziska & Christian: »Our highlight this year was definitely working with the Beethovenfest Circle of Friends to plan the one-to-one concerts. Many volunteers, both young and old, chose the most unusual locations in Bonn and welcomed each guest individually, whether that was wearing blue surgical scrubs at the Waldkrankenhaus Bonn hospital or rowing a dinghy towards the fishing boat Aalschokker Aranka on the Rhine. The overwhelming sense of commitment, dedication and reliability touched our hearts!«