The 40th concert at the foot of the Bavaria
For the 40th time, the area in front of the Bavaria was transformed into a large open-air stage for brass music: at the anniversary of the Oktoberfest Platzkonzert (square concert), bands, guests of honor and musicians once again showed how deeply tradition, music and the Wiesn community are interwoven.
The Oktoberfest celebrates its musical heart
A sonorous anniversary full of emotion, tradition and genuine Bavarian joie de vivre: thousands gathered in front of the Bavaria to listen to the festive sounds of brass music - as has been the tradition since 1985. Personalities from the Wiesn and the city took over the baton. The Platzkonzert (square concert) was initiated by Willy Heide, the innkeeper spokesman at the time, as a tribute to brass music and a sign of the close connection between innkeepers and bands. Four decades later, this idea lives on, hosted by Dominik Glöbl.
The event kicked off with the Tölzer Schützenmarsch before Wirtesprecher (Wiesnwirt spokesman) Peter Inselkammer welcomed the guests. Dr. Christian Scharpf, Head of Departure of Labor and Economic Development, celebrated his premiere by playing the clarinet himself and playing along with the "Bozner Bergsteiger-Marsch".
The diversity of the Wiesn was also evident in the smallest detail: at the smallest pretzel stall, Tanja Bauer recalled the post-war period, when war widows usually earned an extra income by selling pretzels - accompanied by the Kaiserjägermarsch.
The Chiemgau traditional costume formation presented itself before the stage was cleared for Wiesn legend Georg Mayrhofer, the “Wiesn-Schurli”. Having attended since 1983, he talked about his first visit to the Wiesn: “I may not know where paradise is - but I'm not far from it now.” The previously unplayed Radetzky March was played in his honor.
Impressions of the Platzkonzert (square concert)
Honorary prize of the Wiesnwirte went to Wolfgang Schäuble
City Councillor Anja Berger, in her role as “Wiesn-Stadträtin”, spoke about the path to climate neutrality for the festival tents. 4,000 trees have already been planted in the “Wiesn-Wald” in the Ammergau Alps to offset the Wiesn's emissions. The "Erzherzog-Albrecht-Marsch" was played to match. Alpine sounds were brought to the stage by the Kaltentaler Alphornbläsern with their “Alphornruf”. The “Stimme der Blasmusik” from Bavarian Radio, Georg Ried, took the opportunity to perform the "Oktoberfestwalzer" together with Wolfgang Grünbauer and the Oktoberfestmusikanten - a piece that was premiered 15 years ago at the Oidn Wiesn. The Jagdhornbläser Miesbach also took part, playing the atmospheric Hirschmarsch before Dr. Hanna Sammüller (Head of the District Administration Department) conducted the Laridah-Marsch.
The view of a very special ride provided nostalgic feelings: the Krinoline, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Matthias Niederländer told the story of the nostalgic carousel ride. Together with Quetschnblech, the specially composed Krinoline Polka by Rudolf Gregor Knabl was presented - and sung to great effect by Marion Niederländer.
This year's honorary award went to Wolfgang Schäuble, Munich's Fire Chief. He headed the professional fire department for 20 years, during which time he was also responsible for safety at the Oktoberfest. The second Wiesnwirtsprecher, Christian Schottenhamel, presented the award with words of thanks.
For the grand finale, Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter took up the baton himself. He conducted the ceremonial "Bayerischen Defiliermarsch" with a sure hand before - as every year - all the bands joined in singing the Bavarian anthem. Accompanied by the release of countless colorful balloons, the 40th Oktoberfest Platzkonzert (square concert) ended as atmospherically as it had begun.
