Audience Gathers for "Sound Bridges" Preview: Danube-side Sonic Spectacle Unveiled in Rehearsals
On this coming Friday, the outdoor event "Sound Bridges" will debut at the German Music Festival in Ulm and Neu-Ulm. The festival, held along the Danube River, will connect the two cities through a unique spectacle of light and sound. During the dress rehearsal, an enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness this audiovisual experience.
The "Sound Bridges" event at the German Music Festival is scheduled for Both Ulm and Neu-Ulm's sides of the Danube. The performance aims to bridge the two cities with an innovative musical and visual display, creating a remarkable connection across the water. Although the weather initially caused concerns during rehearsals, it cooperated during the dress rehearsal, drawing increasingly larger crowds as the evening progressed.
Over 130 musicians will collaborate on four separate stages scheduled on both sides of the river. With sophisticated sound transmission technology, geographical barriers will dissolve as musicians interact harmoniously in a shared musical space. The experience is already generating excitement among participants: "It's a big deal and very exciting," shares a musician from the Neu-Ulm Danube shore.
Enthusiasm for the event is palpable on both sides, with musicians from both Ulm and Neu-Ulm city orchestras ready to perform. "It has an energetic quality," says one singer from the Motettenchor of the Münsterkantorei Ulm. Both groups have split into multiple formations to add variety to the performance.
As the event begins, mysterious, otherworldly sounds echo across the night, accompanied by vibrant light projections. Large spotlights cast different shapes onto the water and surroundings while meeting in the middle of the river, creating a connection between the cities. Audience members are drawn into the performance, witnessing noises, signals, syllables, lights, and videos that project onto various surfaces, including walls and grassy areas.
Audience reactions to the dress rehearsal have been positive. "I came without any expectations, and I really like it. It's something different from the usual fireworks," shares one spectator. Another remarks, "There was already an energy in the air that captivated me. I was even about to leave earlier, but there was still tension. So I stayed until the end."
Creative Director Christian Wittmann describes the overall theme of "Sound Bridges" as a creation story focusing on encounters and nurturing but with a larger, more timely message. "I think in a time that feels very disruptive, even in everyday life, we felt we needed a counter-narrative. Of course, there are challenges in every encounter, but they can also be overcome."
The "Sound Bridges" event, initially planned for Friday, May 30, 2025, was unfortunately canceled due to weather conditions. The organizers hope to kick off the event at a later date, offering audiences a chance to experience this captivating fusion of sound, light, and city connection. Attendees can expect the performance to last around 64 minutes and to take place directly on the Danube Riverbanks in both Ulm and Neu-Ulm. Admission is free for all.
The "Sound Bridges" event, initially planned for the home-and-garden setting of both Ulm and Neu-Ulm's Danube riverbanks, aims to create a unique entertainment experience, blending music, light, and sound to bridge the two cities. Despite the initial cancellation due to weather conditions, organizers hope to reschedule the event, offering a free lifestyle spectacle that promises a captivating fusion for all to enjoy.
