Stagnation, as is well known, is the end of all creative processes. Only in constant flux can something new emerge.

This is a view shared by the Kurt Weill Festival in Dessau, which is holding this year's event under the motto "In Motion." This is only logical in terms of content, as the work of this groundbreaking composer is strongly influenced by his crossing of boundaries between musical worlds. Weill, whose work encompasses opera, ballet, musicals, and chamber music in equal measure, always rejected the division between serious and popular music.

His enormous artistic diversity also shapes this year's program: from trombonist Nils Landgren to soul singer Jocelyn B. Smith to "chansonnier extraordinaire" Tim Fischer, numerous top-class performers await the audience. The musical highlights are framed by a diverse accompanying program that includes readings, discussion panels, and exhibitions.