Social project with grades: Cross of Merit for female founders

The two founders of the musical social project "Musaik", Luise Börner and Deborah Oehler, will be honored with the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier plans to present them with the award on May 22 at Delitzsch Baroque Palace, the project team announced.

"Luise Börner and Deborah Oehler open up the world of music and making music together to children. With their project 'Musaik - making music without borders', they offer young people not only the free use of an instrument, but also musical training," was the reason given for the award. More than 100 children from over 20 countries of origin have already learned to play string and wind instruments with them and have taken part in concerts.

"Musaik" was founded in 2017 based on the model of "El Sistema" in Venezuela. It gives children from poorer families free lessons and instruments. Luise Börner had experienced "El Sistema" in a modified form in Peru and set it up in Dresden. Many of the children come from refugee families. The project is also supported by the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden.