Leipzig

Leipzig represents Germany premier music city where Johann Sebastian Bach served as Thomaskantor 1723-1750 creating lasting musical legacy. St. Thomas Church houses 800-year-old Thomanerchor boys choir founded 1212 maintaining unbroken tradition, Bach burial site. Gewandhaus Orchestra established 1781 by Johann Hiller ranks among world oldest orchestras performing in renowned concert hall. Peaceful Revolution 1989 originated at St. Nicholas Church leading to German Unification, Cold War end with Kurt Masur Gewandhaus Kapellmeister supporting anti-government demonstrations. Richard Wagner birthplace, Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Schumanns, Mahler worked here creating rich musical heritage. Leipziger Notenspur Music Trail guides visitors through original historical sites. Modern cultural landscape combines lively art scene, relaxed attitude, enlightened European urban citizenry participating in cultural-political life. Musical identity strongly associates with European freedom, democracy values.