Music Bridges Divides: German NGO Hangarmusik Empowers Young Migrants Through Orchestral Collaboration
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Music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, offering a powerful pathway to integration and personal growth. This conviction fueled the founding of Hangarmusik in 2016 by Leila Weber and Andreas Knapp, and recently culminated in a remarkable project during the 42nd Canary Islands International Music Festival (FIMC). The initiative provided over thirty minors of foreign origin with the prospect to learn musical instruments and collaborate with world-renowned orchestras, demonstrating the transformative power of music.
A Decade of Harmony: From Berlin Hangars to the canary Islands
The seeds of Hangarmusik were sown a decade ago in the repurposed hangars of BerlinS former Tempelhof airport. As then, the organization has consistently expanded it’s reach, driven by the belief that music fosters essential life skills. “Inclusive rehearsal sessions promote all the skills necessary for children to learn to play an instrument.It is indeed a way not only to promote cultural education, but also to strengthen social skills and the sense of resilience of minors,” explained Knapp.
The recent FIMC project saw Hangarmusik professionals working throughout December with young people from juvenile centers in La Laguna and Tejina,tenerife. Led by Weber and Knapp, alongside a team of a dozen educators, the program equipped participants with foundational musical knowledge, enabling them to play instruments despite having no prior experience.
From Students to Collaborators: A Symphony of Inclusion
The workshop’s culmination was a unique opportunity for the young musicians: attending a rehearsal of the Tenerife Radio Symphony Orchestra at the Tenerife Auditorium. This wasn’t a passive experience; the minors actively participated, playing alongside seasoned professionals. They also witnessed a rehearsal led by Estonian-American conductor Paavo Järvi featuring the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
The project reached its emotional peak when, following the rehearsal, a group of musicians from the German symphonic group performed Mahler’s First symphony – a powerful symbol of the project’s success. “When boys and girls realize that, by working together, they can play, they feel great motivation,” noted Weber. Knapp added, “Music opens up the possibility of creating in a group, of being a group,” emphasizing the significance of performing such an iconic piece with a professional orchestra.
“It doesn’t Matter Where You Come From”: The Worldwide Language of Music
The core philosophy of Hangarmusik is beautifully encapsulated in the words of co-founder Leila Weber: “It doesn’t matter where you come from, what culture: we can play music together.” This sentiment underscores the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and its belief in music as a unifying force.Andreas Knapp further articulated this idea, stating, “Music is the basis of humanity.”
The initiative received strong support from the Government of the Canary Islands, with collaboration between its departments of Presidency, Culture, and Social Welfare. The project seamlessly integrated into the broader tapestry of the FIMC, a festival dedicated to inclusivity and en
Why: Hangarmusik was founded in 2016 by Leila Weber and andreas knapp to leverage the power of music for the integration and personal growth of young migrants. They believed music could transcend cultural and linguistic barriers and foster essential life skills.
Who: The key players are Leila Weber and Andreas knapp, the co-founders of Hangarmusik. The project directly involved over thirty minors of foreign origin, professionals from Hangarm
