Diversity in music: Kultur in der Kartause
The charity concert series “Culture in the Kartause” has been running since 2019, raising funds for scholarships through concerts and has now become an integral part of Freiburg’s cultural landscape. Several times a year, the school’s auditorium becomes a stage for regional and international artists who support the project with their music. A team of students and staff organizes the concert evenings, which are becoming increasingly popular in Freiburg.
In conversation with the organizing team, we learn more about the background and goals of the series, as well as their hopes for the future.
How did the idea to hold 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. Since I enjoy organizing cultural events and fundraising is important for our school, the idea of launching a series of benefit concerts was born 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 Eucalypdos trio played for around 25 guests who made their way to the hill of the Kartause on a hot day in July. Building on this, we further developed the concept, established a presence through newsletters and press work, and expanded the team. Corona then put the whole thing on hold, but we were able to pick up where we left off in 2022 and are now consistently well attended.
Was there a concept?
Julia Angstenberger: We wanted to establish the Kartause as a cultural meeting place in Freiburg and thereby raise awareness of the school concept. And, of course, to collect donations for scholarships. Everything else was open and developed as it went along.
Meike Voss: In the first few years, we collected donations for a scholarship for a young person from an SOS Children’s Village – we achieved this goal in 2024. The scholarship went to a student from Nigeria. Since the beginning of the school year, all proceeds have gone into a specially designed “Culture in the Kartause Scholarship Program” – the scholarships are intended for young people with refugee status from Freiburg who apply directly to the school.
How do you select the artists who perform on stage?
Will Bartlett: At first, we tried out a lot of different things and approached artists we knew ourselves or found through our contacts. I myself performed on stage several times in various formations. The collaboration with the Freiburg Jazzhaus Youth Orchestra has become established. As a school and charity series, we can’t offer a large fee and are dependent on the artists participating for the sake of the project.
Wiebke Ehmann: It’s important to us not to commit ourselves too much stylistically – different genres such as jazz, pop, classical, instrumental, and 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 within the team and also with the students is so much fun.
Wiebke Ehmann: ‚Kultur in der Kartause‘ brings many different people together in the – I love feeling 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 audiences with them. It’s good for our students to come into contact with the Freiburg music scene. In addition, UWC stands for learning with and from each other – this is embodied by our small concert series.
Do you have any goals or wishes for the future?
Julia Angstenberger: Last school year, we were able to raise almost half of a scholarship – our wish would be to find a foundation or even a private individual who would match that amount and thus create the first ‘Kultur in der Kartause’ with us.
Dates fort he School Year 2025-26:
22.11.2025 | Ensemble frank&frei
31.01.2026 | Jazzhaus Jugendorchester
14.04.2026 | Senior Jazzchor Freiburg
23.06.2026 | Jazz Picnic
