University of Leicester Orchestra visit to Krefeld 2026
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ORCHESTRA
VISIT TO KREFELD JUNE 2026
On 18th June, the students of the University of Leicester Orchestra travelled by air, sea and land to the city of Krefeld, Germany, for a memorable musical exchange celebrating the long-standing friendship between Krefeld and Leicester. Following in the footsteps of the Leicester Symphony Orchestra, we collaborated with the renowned organist Heinz-Peter Kortmann and his choir to perform two special concerts in Jüchen and Krefeld-Hüls.
| Out exploring |
Friday began with a guided tour of the Villa Merländer, where we learned about Krefeld’s history during the 1940s and the impact of the Second World War on the city and its people.
| Villa Merländer |
Afterwards, members of our wind section joined Heinz-Peter in visiting a local school, where they performed for students and spoke about their passion for music. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, giving the Krefeld students a chance to practise their English while learning about student life and music-making in Leicester.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Krefeld Zoo, home to gorillas, crocodiles, emus and many other animals. We were fortunate to be guided by Frank Langen, whose generosity and local knowledge were invaluable throughout our stay. From helping us navigate public transport to assisting with communication, Frank played a major role in ensuring the trip ran smoothly and that we felt welcome in Krefeld.
| Krefeld Zoo |
Our first concert took place on Friday evening at St. Jakobus Church, followed by a second performance on Saturday at St. Cyriakus Church. The programme featured Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor, with soloists Emma Chapman and Siyu Li, Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, and Fauré’s Requiem, performed alongside Heinz-Peter Kortmann’s outstanding choir.
The final concert was made particularly special by an opening address from Frank Meyer, Mayor of Krefeld. In his speech, he reflected on the enduring friendship between Krefeld and Leicester, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and international cooperation. His remarks reminded us that music has the power to bring people together across borders and generations, strengthening the ties between our two cities. The partnership between Leicester and Krefeld, built on mutual respect and shared values, was evident throughout the weekend and provided the perfect backdrop for our performances.
| Oberbürgermeister Frank Meyer opens concert with his address |
| University of Leicester Orchestra Members |
Following the concert, we were warmly welcomed to a reception at Krefeld’s Town Hall, where a selection of finger food and locally brewed refreshments proved very popular with the orchestra after an exciting weekend of music-making. Throughout the trip, we greatly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the talented singers and musicians with whom we performed. Thankfully, they spoke far more English than we spoke German, but our shared love of music provided all the common ground we needed. The visit was not only a valuable musical experience but also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the friendship between Leicester and Krefeld, creating memories and connections that will last for years to come.
