Greetings

Dear Music-friends,

When the Berlin International Music Festival opens this Summer for the first time, we can look forward to enjoying a experimental and innovative musical experience, that will bring together important artists and highly talented up-and-coming musicians to the same town on an annual basis; a truly unique worldwide event.

They will have the opportunity to experience symbolic historical places, and enjoy a varied programme, which will prove Berlin¡¯s importance as an international centre for classical music. However, what particularly pleases me, is that the festival is devoted to promoting the talents of many young hopefuls, who have the opportunity within the Rising Star Series, to prove their abilities.

My thanks go first and foremost to the artistic director, Mrs. Mi Kyung Kim, who, with tireless effort, has managed to attain the cooperation of numerous internationally recognized experts in the field of classical music, for the masters course, competition, and concert events of the festival; because as you all know, ladies and gentlemen, it is easier to tread on familiar surroundings, than to attempt to find a way through unknown territory.

So, to the festival, in this, its opening year, and to its knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience and young participants, I wish many informative, enjoyable experiences and new discoveries, which hopefully, they will take away with them on their continued musical journeys.

Please feel welcome in Berlin, and rediscover the world of music in a completely different light.

Your Michail Sekler
Artistic Consultant
1st Concertmaster of The Konzerthausorchester Berlin