Through performances by artists and musicians, the City of Oldenburg's cultural office aims to make life in retirement and nursing homes a little more colourful during the coronavirus crisis. One of the soloists involved is guitarist Axel Weidenfeld from the Institute of Music.
Axel Weidenfeld has picked out a particularly thick songbook for the encore. The musician, artistic assistant for guitar and music theory at the Institute of Music at the University of Oldenburg, is planning his next concert in an unusual location: it will soon take place in the courtyard of the "Haus Sandvoß" retirement home in Elsfleth. "I would like to finish by singing something together with the audience," says Weidenfeld. However, he is still puzzling over what might go down well with the audience. He therefore wants to be prepared for anything - from folk songs such as "Kein schöner Land" to hits like "Eviva España" and songs by the Beatles or the Rolling Stones.
The musician is taking part in an initiative by the City of Oldenburg's cultural office, which arranges solo artists for balcony or open-air performances at senior citizens', disabled and care facilities - so that residents can continue to participate in art and culture despite the coronavirus crisis. In addition to concerts, pantomime, theatre, dance and acrobatics are also permitted - all performances that are possible outdoors with sufficient social distancing. "The residents make themselves comfortable at their windows, I sit outside in the courtyard and play there," says Weidenfeld, describing the unconventional setting.
More than 90 artists have so far agreed to take part in the initiative. "The situation is currently particularly difficult for the residents of retirement homes, who have little contact with the outside world and are not allowed to leave the facilities," says Weidenfeld. He wants to bring a little variety into everyday life with his music.
His programme will last 30 to 40 minutes and is entitled "A journey to Spain". Weidenfeld has selected works for classical guitar from the 16th to the 20th century and hopes that his varied repertoire will appeal to the tastes of the 70+ generation. "An arrangement of 'La Paloma' is also included," he reveals.
The guitarist is available for further appearances. "I'm now registered in the Kulturbüro database," he says. "If an institution is interested in my programme, I'm happy to perform elsewhere." The prerequisite is that the weather plays along - but that shouldn't be a problem given the current forecasts.
