Crowd of 7,000 celebrates at 'Klassik am Odeonsplatz' anniversary event - Thousands celebrate the anniversary of "Klassik am Odeonsplatz" event
The city of Munich was once again transformed into a symphony of sound and culture as the annual "Classics at Odeonsplatz" event took place on July 12 and 13, 2025. Held in the heart of the city, at Odeonsplatz, the open-air concert attracted around 16,000 visitors who enjoyed high-quality classical music performances.
This event, now over 20 years old, is renowned for featuring top orchestras and world-renowned artists, and this year was no exception. The Munich Philharmonic, under the baton of Lahav Shani, its newly appointed chief conductor, delivered a captivating performance. The programme included Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances," Daniil Trifonov's mesmerising rendition of Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, and a violin concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by the star violinist Lisa Batiashvili.
Bavarian Radio's Intendant, Katja Wildermuth, was among the speakers at the event, adding to the cultural significance of the occasion. The weather, while not specifically mentioned, is typically mild to warm during mid-July in Munich, making it perfect for open-air concerts.
This year's event saw a few changes, with the musicians performing in a tent nearby due to renovations at Feldherrnhalle. Despite these changes, the concert was a sell-out, a testament to the enduring popularity of classical music in Munich.
In an interesting twist, Marek Wiechers, Munich's new cultural referent, made his debut on the stage, showcasing his versatility in attending both hip-hop and classical concerts in his personal time. Notably, fewer spectators attended the anniversary of the classical spectacle than usual, but the event still managed to maintain its charm and allure.
As the Munich Opera Festival continues through July 31, classical music lovers in Munich have a rich programme to look forward to. The festival features opera premieres, ballets, concerts, and recitals mainly at the Nationaltheater, with a focus this year on major works by Richard Strauss.
Charlotte Knobloch, chairwoman of the Munich and Upper Bavaria Israelite Cultural Community, was seated in the front row, adding to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of the event.
While information about the involvement of actor Udo Wachtveitl in this year's event is not available, the "Classics at Odeonsplatz" has been a consistent fixture on the Munich cultural calendar since 2000, taking place on a July weekend each year. The weather for the event was more forgiving than last year's anniversary, making for a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The Commission, moved by the enduring popularity of classical music in Munich, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during such events, considering the numerous home-and-garden stores and entertainment venues that might spring up around future concerts. On a lighter note, Marek Wiechers, Munich's new cultural referent, demonstrated his versatile lifestyle by showcasing his attendance at both hip-hop and classical concerts in his personal time.
