Literary journey through Europe: Enjoy reading in the Saxon Railway Museum!

Literary journey through Europe: Enjoy reading in the Saxon Railway Museum!

The anticipation is already palpable! On Thursday, June 26th, a very special event will take place in the Saxon Railway Museum in Hilbersdorf: the reading and music performance “Leselust Nachlese – Next Stop: Europe” with the Czech author Jaroslav Rudiš and the musician Hans Narva. It starts at 6 p.m. and entry is 8 euros for everyone else, but schoolchildren and students can take part for free. Tickets are available at the box office. If you want to be pampered culturally and musically, you definitely shouldn't miss this event!

Jaroslav Rudiš, who comes from a family of railway workers, has made a name for himself as a writer and musician. His texts are often about train journeys, dining cars and experiences in station bars. He is supported by Hans Narva, a talented composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who brings Rudiš's lyrics to life musically. This event is not only a highlight in the Chemnitz cultural calendar, but also part of the “Leselust goes Europe” literary days, which are part of the European Capital of Culture 2025.

A contribution to European culture

Chemnitz has truly earned the title of European Capital of Culture 2025. The city becomes part of a fascinating European border area characterized by (post-)socialism, war, escape and mining culture. The railway plays a central role and connects not only cities in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine. This cultural networking is to be promoted through the various events that take place under the motto “Reading pleasure goes Europe”.

Other planned activities include double readings with literary figures from Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, which address important topics such as the current war experiences in Ukraine. There will also be a writing workshop and various creative offerings for schools that integrate and promote Chemnitz's urban society. Bridges will also be built with Breslau/Wrocław (Capital of Culture 2016) and Budweis/České Budějovice (Capital of Culture 2028).

Cultural events at a glance

The year of the Capital of Culture will be heralded with the opening on January 18, 2025 in the Chemnitz town hall, followed by a series of exciting events:

• Lesung mit Heike Geißler und Anna Beata Háblová am 30. Januar 2025 in Budweis und am 14. März 2025 in Chemnitz.
• Lesung mit Patricia Klabouchová und Patricia Holland Moritz am 6. März 2025 in Budweis und am 18. März 2025 in Chemnitz.
• Eröffnung der Literaturtage am 7. März 2025 mit Jurij Andruchowytsch & Karbido in Chemnitz.
• Lesungen und Diskussionen zu aktuellen Themen, darunter ein Gespräch über den Krieg in der Ukraine am 15. März 2025.

The comprehensive program aims to intensify the exchange between cultures and raise awareness of the common European history. It remains to be hoped that many Chemnitz residents and visitors will take advantage of the opportunity to take part in these unique events.

For more detailed information about the events and ticketing, take a look at the Chemnitz city website or the Deutsches Kulturforum. Anyone interested in the background to the title “European Capital of Culture” can find further information on Wikipedia. Be there when Chemnitz focuses on its cultural diversity!