Neujahrskonzert Hostenbach

Concert Evening with All Orchestras

The New Year's Concert in Hostenbach is the annual highlight of the Orchesterverein Wadgassen e. V. — and a remarkable family affair. All three active ensembles of the association perform together on the stage of the Glückaufhalle Hostenbach:

• Youth Orchestra — Young musicians aged 8 to 18
• Large Wind Orchestra — the advanced Symphony Wind Orchestra under the direction of Stefan Weber
• Adult Wind Class — late bloomers who started a wind instrument as adults

This makes the concert not only a musical event but also a cross-section of generations — from the eight-year-old playing in front of a large audience for the first time to the experienced amateur musician with decades of stage routine.

The Glückaufhalle Hostenbach

The venue is the Glückaufhalle in the Hostenbach district of Wadgassen. The name »Glückauf« reveals its history: Wadgassen was a mining town, and the hall's name is a reminder of the traditional miner's greeting. The hall seats several hundred listeners, and the acoustics are solid.

Wadgassen — Industrial History and Club Life

Wadgassen is located in the Saartal valley, southwest of Saarlouis in the Landkreis Saarlouis district. The municipality is characterized by a long industrial tradition (glass industry, mining) and a strong club life. The Orchesterverein Wadgassen was born out of this cultural commitment and significantly shapes the musical life of the community.

What to Expect Musically

Classical New Year's concert repertoire with an emphasis on brass music: marches, Viennese classics (Strauss waltzes are never far away), contemporary wind orchestra pieces, and occasional film music. The youth orchestra usually opens with simpler pieces, while the main orchestra presents the more demanding program. Soloists from within the orchestra are often featured.

Tradition of the Orchesterverein

In addition to the New Year's Concert, the Orchesterverein Wadgassen performs throughout the year: at music festivals in Gronig (May), at the Abteifest in the Abteihof (June), at the TUS Wadgassen Frühschoppen (July), and at the Musikfest Frühschoppen (September). Highlights of past seasons included the evening event »Una Serata Italiana« with Italian repertoire for nearly 300 visitors in the historic abbey garden.

Who Should Attend

For classical music lovers who appreciate brass music and symphony wind music, but also for families from the region — many visitors come because they see their children, grandchildren, or neighbors on stage. A very Saarlandic, very community-oriented form of classical concert.