Selected Events 2005

September 17 and 21, 2005 On September 21, Saxony's internationally renowned state orchestra (Staatskapelle) performed in Houston, Texas, as a sign of solidarity for Hurricane Katrina victims and volunteer helpers. The concert, which was initiated by Saxon Minister President Georg Milbradt under the patronage of Federal President Horst Koehler, received support from the U.S. Consulate General Leipzig, the Berlin Embassy and institutions in the United States. On September 17, U.S. Consulate General Leipzig supported a Jazz concert for New Orleans as part of the Jena City Festival. The organizers and musicians, among them jazz veterans like the Jena Dixieland Stompers, encouraged the audience to donate money to help musicians in New Orleans who were left stranded by Katrina. Consul for Public Affairs Mark Wenig was introduced to the audience from the stage and later discussed further cooperation with Jena district mayor Rosa-Maria Haschke and representatives from the cultural scene.