State grammar school for music with anniversary concert

The Sächsisches Landesgymnasium für Musik (SLGM) in Dresden has been busy celebrating this school year. In addition to its 60th birthday, the 200th anniversary of the death of its namesake Carl Maria von Weber is also being celebrated. Next Monday, there will be a celebratory duet at the festive concert in Dresden's Kulturpalast under the motto "Weber meets Jazz".

"With this concert, we are not only celebrating the 60th anniversary of a special school, but above all the diversity and excellence of musical education at the SLGM - future-oriented, individually focused, practical and formative for personal development," explained Ekaterina Sapega-Klein, Artistic Director of the state grammar school.

Landesgymnasium goes back to special schools in the GDR

The Landesgymnasium is a remnant from the GDR, where young talents were supported in special schools for music. Apart from Dresden, there is only one such school in Weimar and a similar one in Berlin, the Bach-Gymnasium.

The institution in Dresden accepts a maximum of 150 pupils. They have to pass an aptitude test. There are currently 138 young people studying here, 70 boys and 68 girls.

Making music together in various formations

The musical education includes individual lessons in a major artistic subject as well as piano lessons for all "non-pianists". There are also music theory subjects, ensemble lessons, accompaniment and rhythmics. Making music together in the symphony orchestra, choir and big band is intended to create a sound basis for musical training.