Steigenberger GrandHotel Leipzig

Napoleon’s retreat – observed from the tower of St. Thomas Church For the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Nations at Leipzig, Yadegar Asisi decided to explore the historical event through his art. In October 1813, an estimated 600,000 soldiers fought in front of the gates of the Saxon city and centre of trade. Allied troops from all over Europe - including Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden – defeated Napoleon and his French army here, helping to bring Napoleon’s campaign to an end. Asisi’s portrayal of LEIPZIG 1813, however, is not a panoramic view of the battle. Instead, he approaches this turning point in European history from the perspective of the citizens of Leipzig. He focuses on the people who lived behind the city walls during the war from normal citizens to soldiers and sutlers, as well as war casualties and refugees caught up in a desperate situation.

The Gewandhaus stages almost 700 events per year, attracting half a million visitors. In addition to the extensive range of concerts that forms the backbone of the schedule, the Gewandhaus plays host to a diverse spectrum of other functions, such as conferences, congresses, ceremonial events and receptions. The iconic Gewandhaus, the present building being the third to bear this name, is particularly renowned for the orchestra for which it is home, the illustrious Gewandhausorchester. The Gewandhaus promotes approximately 250 classical concerts each season: Große Concerte with the Gewandhaus Orchestra, chamber, choral and organ concerts, music festivals (for instance the annual Mendelssohn Festival and the International Mahler Festival in 2011), the Audio Invasion and many more. The Gewandhaus's concert season is complemented by a diverse and innovative programme of music education and outreach projects. The Gewandhaus is an attractive venue not only due to its international kudos but also on account of the diversity and flexibility of the halls and spaces available for hire, the technical facilities on offer, the highly motivated and experienced Event Service team and, not least, the unique atmosphere of this treasured location. The Sponsors' Club (comprising, among others, international heavyweights such as DHL and Porsche) and the two Leagues of Friends support the Gewandhaus's work in a large variety of different forms.

The St. Thomas Church is one of 2 houses of worship in Leipzig’s city center. Home of the St. Thomas Boys Choir and a place of musical creativity; it is also the final resting place of the famous St. Thomas Cantor, Johann Sebastian Bach. The St. Thomas Church dates back to the 12th Century. It was here in 1409 that the University of Leipzig was founded. From 1492 to 1496, the church had the form of a late Gothic hall church. It was also here in 1539 that Martin Luther preached the implementation of the Reformation. For the last 800 years, the St. Thomas Boys Choir has been singing here. Today, visitors from all over the world come to Leipzig to observe church services in the St. Thomas Church, hear a motet from the St. Thomas Boys Choir, or to take pleasure in concerts and organ music.