Pupils and staff representing Aberdeen City Music Service are set to perform in Regensburg this summer to mark the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the two cities.
Members of the Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee today (29 April) approved the pupils visit to Regensburg, as it will allow them to showcase their musical talents and enjoy the wider cultural experience. It will also further boost the twinning partnership between the two cities.
The six musical pupils and two members of staff will perform alongside local young musicians and dancers from Regensburg at a special Scottish-Bavarian music event on the evening of Thursday 19 June.
The official twinning celebrations will continue through to Sunday 22 June and will also see the group perform at the Bürgerfest – the biggest street festival in Regensburg.
Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “This music visit is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of our city's twinning arrangement with Regensburg. This is an important partnership link. Our talented pupils will be able to share the joy and goodwill of music making with our friends in Germany. I am delighted that the young people involved can enrich their cultural experiences and bring best wishes from Aberdeen.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “We are thankful to the Mayor of Regensburg for her wonderful invitation to our young people. Aberdeen has been twinned with Regensburg for 70 years, which is why it will be lovely to see our pupils being part of the festivities in Bavaria to mark such an important partnership.”
The group’s participation in the celebrations followed an invitation from the Mayor of Regensburg Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer.
The pupils will share photographs and video clips of their trip on social media.
The Committee members also heard that the Music Service is gearing up for Aberdeen Big Sing 2025 next month, and is working with the Education and Language departments in Clement-Ferrand, a French city which is twinned with Aberdeen.
These reciprocal partnerships enrich pupil learning and allow them to use their language skills. The proposed trip to Regensburg will help further develop this work with officers from Clement-Ferrand, who will also be in attendance in Regensburg.
The travel to Regensburg is estimated at £2,500 and will be met via the approved Music Service budget for 2025/26. Hostel accommodation for the six pupils and two Music Service staff has been gifted by the Mayor of Regensburg’s office.