A weekend full of music, nature and genuine encounters: at the tree circle festival "Auftakt! Music, trees and stories" at Burg Bernstein, people who love trees, appreciate music and want to make a difference together came together. For two days, people made music, listened, ate, sang, told stories and connected - with nature and with each other.
Particularly touching: "The guitar and the tree"
Saturday began with a biological tour by Johanna Almásy, who led us through the fascinating flora around the castle, peppered with anecdotes and exciting experiences.
At the talk concert "The guitar and the tree" pieces of music, poems and stories led us back to the origins of the instruments - and thus back to the trees. Old melodies, original compositions and melodious examples on guitar, cello, ukulele and cajon could be heard. The instrument makers and musicians also had their say: Where does the wood come from? What makes it sound special? How can we ensure that such trees can continue to grow in the future?
The "Trees of Harmony" project initiated by Tim Martina Schäffer was also launched on this evening - with the aim of planting and protecting trees that also play a role in musical instrument making. A powerful start: Thank you for the many generous donations!
Indulgence in the castle: food as an experience
A festive dinner in the historic rooms of the castle rounded off the Saturday. The herb chef served a multi-course menu with wild herbs, fresh vegetables and regional meat - lovingly prepared and served by candlelight. The mood was warm, the conversations lively, the atmosphere special.
In the forest: music, fairy tales, amazement
Sunday morning was dedicated to the forest. A walk together led through nature - with stations for singing, listening and pausing. Pieces of music and short mindfulness impulses accompanied the walk. Not spectacular, but profound - and for many a moment to really come to terms with themselves and the world. The excursion was crowned by the two stations in the middle of the forest, where the fairy tale of the wondrous pear tree took us to another world and wooden instruments from all over the world could be admired and heard.
Picnic & finale in the castle courtyard
Afterwards, we had a picnic together in the castle courtyard - with home-baked bread, savoury spreads and sweet snacks. The weekend ended with sunshine, music and good humour. A spontaneous final concert by the musicians provided a cheerful finale - with pieces written and composed especially for the occasion. Thunderous applause!
What remains
AUFTAKT! was not just any old festival - it was a deliberate starting point. For new projects, for sustainable music-making, for a lively community. For many, it was a weekend that inspired them to think ahead, stay involved and grow together.
