Musical diversity and exchange
“Kultur in der Kartause”: Charity concert series at UWC Robert Bosch College
The “Kultur in der Kartause” charity concert series has been running since 2019, raising funds for scholarships through concerts and is now an integral part of Freiburg’s cultural landscape. Several times a year, the school’s auditorium becomes a stage for regional or international artists who support the project with their music. A team of students and staff organize the concert evenings, which are becoming increasingly popular in Freiburg.
In conversation with the organizing team, we learn more about the background and aim of the series as well as wishes for the future.
How did the idea of organizing concerts at UWC Robert Bosch College come about?
Wiebke Ehmann: The idea came to me when I saw the auditorium for the first time during a tour. It was clear to me that this place had to be used as a stage. As I enjoy organizing culture and fundraising is important for our school, I came up with the idea of launching a charity concert series in 2019. My colleague Julia was immediately enthusiastic and on board. Together, we developed the idea further, found a name for the series and got started.
Julia Angstenberger: Our first concert was small and cozy – the trio Eucalypdos played for around 25 guests who found their way to our school on a hot day in July. Building on this, we developed the concept further, established a presence through newsletters and press work and expanded the team. Corona then put the whole thing on ice; but we were able to pick up in 2022 and are now consistently well attended.
Was there a concept?
Julia Angstenberger: We wanted to anchor the Kartause as a cultural meeting place in Freiburg and thus make the school concept better known. And, of course, to collect donations for scholarships. Everything else was open and developed over time.
Meike Voss: In the first few years, we collected money for a scholarship for a young person from an SOS Children’s Village – we reached this goal in 2024. The scholarship went to a student from Nigeria. Since the beginning of the school year, all proceeds have gone towards a specially designed ‘”Kultur in der Kartause” Scholarship Program – the scholarships are to go to young people with refugee status from Freiburg who apply directly to the school.
How do you choose the artists who perform on stage?
Will Bartlett: In the beginning, we tried out a lot and approached artists we knew ourselves or found through contacts. I myself was on stage a few times in various formations. The cooperation with the Freiburg Jazzhaus youth orchestra has become established. As a school and charity series, we can’t offer a large fee and are reliant on the artists taking part for the sake of the project.
Wiebke Ehmann: It is important to us not to be too stylistically fixed – different styles such as jazz, pop or classical, instrumental or choral music also reflect the diversity that we live as a school.
What are your highlights?
Meike Voss: I am delighted that we are now receiving many requests from artists who would like to perform in the context of “Kultur in der Kartause” – and that the organization is so much fun as a team and also with the students.
Wiebke Ehmann: “Kultur in der Kartause” brings many different people together in our school – I think it’s nice to feel the enthusiasm that arises when our guests learn more about the school concept.
Will Bartlett : We are very diverse thanks to the different genres and artists, some of whom bring their own audience with them. It’s good for our students to come into contact with the Freiburg music scene. UWC also stands for learning with and from each other – this is embodied by our small concert series.
Are there any goals or wishes for the future?
Julia Angstenberger: In the last school year, we were able to raise almost half of a scholarship – our wish would be to find a foundation or private individual to top up the same amount and thus create the first “Kultur in der Kartause” Scholarship with us.
