I. A dark hymn, a whispered prayer from Beethoven's last complete work. In early sketches, Beethoven named the slow movement from his String Quartet Opus 135 "Süsser Ruhegesang oder Friedengesang" - A sweet song of calm or peace. II. Scherzo. Vivace READ ON!!!
Drastic proposal: (in short)
A commitee in the local munipality given the responsibility for advising on where to hair trim the cultural budget states that apart from the personal disasters for those directly employed, there will be no other consequences!
In its forthcoming budget, in order to achieve its goal "Budget-i-Balance", the municipality of Esbjerg proposes to cut all support to Esbjerg Ensemble from 2018.
We have been given the document outlining the savings plan in which, with one stroke of a pen, the municipality proposes to shut down one of Denmark's most distinguished cultural institutions.
Beneath the heading "consequences" there are two statements:
1. There will be personnel implications for the self-governing institution Esbjerg Ensemble, in the form of dismissal of personnel.
2. Other consequences on other policy areas: None
Response (in short)
1.
Yes, it is extremely difficult to find employment; there is nowhere else in the region that can offer employment. All members of Esbjerg Ensemble have been passionate about developing a thriving music culture in the region.
2.
On the contrary, there are far-reaching consequences and especially in the light of the strategy to become an "Energy Metropolis" as the municipality of Esbjerg, itself has formulated.
Esbjerg Ensemble is a role model not only for other chamber music ensembles across the country, but also for our neighbouring countries and the rest of the international music cultural scene.
This year at Berlin University Arts management, we were acclaimed as the "International Best Practice Example" in a master thesis relating to the development of classical music ensembles in Germany.
So among academics and Arts managements in Berlin, the capital of Germany, we were publicly acknowledged.
Why Esbjerg Ensemble in particular, out of so many ensembles?
The answer given was something which our local municipality could also support:
“We have never seen an ensemble with the same breadth of activities, genre and attention to the development of the cultural environment, whilst performing at consistently high quality.”
Esbjerg municipality's Strategy 2020 to become the Esbjerg Energy Metropolis- in its declaration for the city’s development has made indirect references to culture.
Esbjerg Energy Metropolis commits to
- Be an energy metropolis and a centre for growth and development
- Provide a high quality of life for all citizens
- increase the city’s metropolitan qualities and activity - restore the city’s vibrancy
- develop training, education and attractive jobs
- commit to business and trade development with other local and international partners
- develop further its international inherent qualities “Internationalization!”
- sustainability and climate agenda
Esbjerg Ensemble has built up a level of international credibility over fifty years - a success that cannot be bought but only developed through years of activity. In fact, the ensemble meets up to many of the criteria that are mentioned above and aspired to and which are the municipality’s aim.
In three weeks it will be possible to close down something that has taken decades of skill, toil and ingenuity to build.
Esbjerg could lose two-thirds support from state government if the local government reduces its one-third contribution.
-Remaining music and cultural institutions in the city will lose one of its most important foundations, artistic and economic. The list includes conservatories, schools, choirs, operas, internationally acclaimed as well as young composers, music societies, radio and recording companies.
-Esbjerg loses the last professional full-time cultural performance group
-Denmark loses its most distinguished chamber ensemble
-Cultural life loses a role model
"No" consequences on other policy areas?
Esbjerg Kommune. Esbjerg Energi Metropol
4 сен 2015
