Action and fun for the whole family

Kids can be a real handful – unless of course, they’re having the time of their lives! The Playmobil FunPark in Zirndorf close to Nuremberg is just the thing for those looking for fantastic entertainment for the whole family. The whole year through, the Maritim Hotel Nürnberg affords families great weekend getaways with this comprehensive arrangement that includes a trip to Playmobil’s fabulous playworld-inspired entertainment complex.

Ride a horse-drawn carriage in the Wild West, dig for riches in the gold mine, battle marauding pirates, take care of the animals on the farm or take on the climbing and balancing challenges in the roofed rope garden – these are but a few examples of the many theme areas in the all-weather amusement park. Afterwards, a trip to Nuremburg’s famous toy museum takes visitors on an informative plaything journey all the way from ancient times to the present. In addition to the entry fees for the FunPark and the toy museum, the ‘Playmobil & More’ package incorporates a whole lot more:

two nights accommodation including Maritim’s famous buffet breakfast, a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail for each family member, a family dinner with three course meals, a welcome present and backpacks for the children stocked with fruit and candy bars.

The family-friendly price for this wonderful weekend is a mere 180 Euro per person in a double room. Children aged under 12 can stay in their parent’s room free of charge while adolescents aged between 13 and 17 can do so for only 50 Euro per day.

‘Playmobil & More’ Arrangement
(bookable the whole year through)

• 2 x nights accommodation including sumptuous breakfast buffet
• Non-alcoholic welcome cocktail for family members upon arrival
• 1 welcome gift for each child
• 3 course ‘Family’ dinner on day of arrival
• 1 stocked backpack for each child
• Entry tickets for the Playmobil FunPark
• Entry tickets for the toy museum
• Complimentary use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room

Arrangement price in a double room: 180 € per person
Children staying in their parent’s room
Under 13 free of charge
Between 13 and 17 50 € per adolescent/day

Britt Winter
Director Public Relations
Maritim Hotels GmbH

Strychnin Gallery Berlin presents: The Red Thread

A Group Exhibition featuring Three Strong Women:
Bethany Marchman, Edith Lebeau and Jennybird Alcantara.
Opens August 7th from 7 pm until 11 pm

Somewhere between traditional techniques and the influence of contemporary pop culture, three women artists from the USA and Canada create strong women portraits. Whether in oil, acrylics, or as curious hand-made dolls that are reminiscent of characters created by Tim Burton: Strychnin Gallery’s August exhibition presents unique works of great expressive power.
Bethany Marchman’s paintings quote from a rich variety of sources. Humorous as well as melancholic undertones enchant the viewer and encourage him to ponder meanings, for example whether growth is always synonymous with improvement. Marchman’s miniatures are highly political and the current state of affairs has long caught up with their traditional appearance. Yet Marchman’s works are also popular with pop culture enthusiasts: her works could recently be seen in the comedy hit “Juno” with Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner.

Jennybird Alcantara’s oil paintings are mainly done on wood. Inspired by her own paintings, however, she also creates delicately crafted dolls. She says: “My work has at its core a narrative; I like to explore the complex interconnectedness of opposites as seen through the prism of myth, fable and fantasy. I use the symbolism of duality to explore the connection of life and death, as well as the relationship between the beauty and cruelness of nature, that of the natural world as well as human and animal nature.” Jennybird Alcantara‘s beautifully eerie dolls will be seen in Europe for the first time at Strychnin Gallery in Berlin.

Edith Lebeau grew up in Beloeil, a little town of Quebec, Canada. As a young girl, her artistic development was influenced by a fascination with popular culture, Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology, movies and fairytales – influences that continue to be seen in her work today. Lebeau mostly paints female figures, portraying them as superheroes, villains, goddesses, and nymphs, their look being the most important thing in her work: they tell their own story through their expressions and emotions. A certain ambiguity is intentional – Lebeau often blurs the story to encourage the audience to make it their own, letting the character question the viewer.

Opening night: August 7th, 2009, 7 p.m.
End date:August 30th
Opening times: Thu - Sat 9 – 12 and 21 – 24; Sun 21 – 24

With galleries in three bustling hotspots – New York City, Berlin, and London – Strychnin Gallery is a playground for artists from all around the globe. It is a place where collaboration is encouraged, new projects are constantly developed and creativity is the one and only thing that truly counts.

Owned by charismatic curator Yasha Young, Strychnin is dedicated to presenting emerging American artists to the European art world and vice versa. It features a variety of artists with particular individual styles rather than artists belonging to a collective “hip” movement. If you insist on putting a label on them, try lowbrow turned highbrow, pop surrealism or fantastic realism among others.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1998, the gallery opened a European showroom in Berlin in 2002. The US gallery has since moved to a location in Manhattan’s Chelsea district, opening with a group show featuring over 70 artists in October of 2006. Strychnin Gallery opened a third location in East London’s vibrant art scene right off of Brick Lane in October 2007.

The gallery participates in major international art fairs on a regular basis, including Bridge Art Fair, Liste, or Art21 in Cologne, which appointed gallery owner Yasha Young to its selection committee in 2008.

Strychnin Gallery
Boxhagenerstr. 36
10245 Berlin
www.strychnin.com

openpr.com

IFA 2009 – experience the fascination of future world premieres now

Multimedia world premieres – high number of bookings - Home Appliances section expands – spectacular entertainment – tickets to IFA for only 10 euros

Berlin/Hamburg/ München, July 2009 – Since the early days of IFA many global innovations have premiered on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and been presented to the public. This tradition continues at IFA 2009, which takes place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 4 to 9 September. As experts, visitors and the media gather at the main industry event of the year there will be fascinating innovations on display for the first time.

A few months before IFA is due to begin, its co-organisers Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik (gfu) and Messe Berlin are delighted that almost all the leading brands from the consumer electronics and home appliances industries are taking part. This year the Home Appliances section is expanding and will occupy Halls 1.1. to Hall 6.1 (2008: Halls 1.1. to 4.1.). Companies taking part include Bosch, Siemens, Miele, Electrolux, De’Longhi, Liebherr, Jura, Gorenje, Russell Hobbs and LG.

The organisers welcome the return of consumer electronics exhibitors Pioneer and Sennheiser. Vodafone is represented with a large stand covering more than 1,000 square metres in Hall 18. For the first time Kenwood and JVC are occupying a joint stand. This year Harman International is renting a huge area of its own on the grounds as well as the Radio Tower itself.

Against the backdrop of the recession the trade fair represents a vital marketing instrument. As a trading ground for the industry and as a stimulus for the markets IFA is more important than ever.

IFA Open Air 2009 – Amy MacDonald opens IFA 2009 live in the Summer Garden

With a double platinum album to her name, mega star Amy MacDonald will open IFA 2009 with a live and exclusive open-air concert in the Summer Garden on Thursday, 3 September.

Tickets for Amy MacDonald in the IFA Summer Garden are available from all the usual advance sales outlets and over the ticket hotline on +49 (0)1805-570 060. You can order tickets online from www.eventim.de or www.ticketmaster.de. The price is EUR 35 (plus advance sales charge). Tickets not only let their holders enjoy the concert but are also valid for admission to IFA on one of the following days. Additional information on the programme of events at IFA 2009 is available at www.ifa-berlin.com/ Events.

Tickets to IFA at only 10 euros (advance sales price)
Starting on 1 August IFA day tickets and IFA family tickets can be purchased from S-Bahn ticket offices and from all sales outlets of BVG at the reduced-rate advance sales price of 10 euros (instead of 14 euros). Throughout Germany tickets to IFA are available at any Deutsche Bahn travel centre.

Tickets to IFA can be ordered easily online from the IFA-Ticketshop or the IFA website at www.ifa-berlin.com.

Press contacts:
Messe Berlin GmbH

When woman created the World

'WOMAN' is a gargantuan, mischievous and elemental figure who creates everything from the first flea, to a nice cup of tea.'
An exhibition of prints and paintings by artist, poet and singer songwriter Ingrid Andrew

Opening & live music/poetry: Friday 18th of September 2009 - 6 pm to 11 pm
Exhibition runs from: Friday 18th to 24th of September 2009
Gallery Opening Hours: Fri, Sat, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs: 2.30 pm - 6.30 pm
Last day of Exhibition: Thurs 24th of September: 11.00am to 5.00pm

Drawing and writing have been for over 35 years at the heart of Ingrid Andrew’s work as an artist and poet. More recently she has morphed into a singer songwriter and has held regular performances in South London as well as in our capital’s town centre.
Over recent years Ingrid Andrew’s work has become more deeply involved in the primordial power and mythological strength of ‘woman’. Her works celebrate unadulterated womanhood, sending out a clear and powerful, yet lyrical and witty message to all females and males in the world
As a very prolific, multi-talented and very versatile artist, this exhibition is a selection of her paintings and drawings, still lives, portraits and landscapes.
There is also a slide show on view of her evolving performance piece and poem 'When Woman created the World.'

In addition, on the opening night, Friday 18th September WOMAN will be danced into being, with song and poetry by Ingrid and poet friends and contributors.

A quick word to all art lovers and collectors: All paintings and prints are for sale.

Red Gate Gallery is an organisation that is dedicated to the continuous exposure of contemporary and diverse Art forms. It encompasses artists’ studios, a large gallery space suitable for installations, film projections, performances and exhibitions. Red Gate is located within a busy environment between Brixton & Camberwell. The gallery hosts regular events, exploring strands of thought provoking art. Since 1998 it has hosted over 485 events and exhibitions.

Red Gate Gallery
openpr.com

217 young musicians have been admitted at the 58th ARD International Music Competition

From August 31 to September 18, 2009, the ARD International Music Competition, one of the most renowned music competitions in the world, will take place in Munich. The categories announced for this year’s Munich competition are voice, violin, double bass and harp.

All in all, there were 406 applications from 44 countries on five continents. 135 singers alone were among them, closely followed by the violinists. There were 94 applications from double bass players and 52 from harpists. In the course of the anonymous selection with a panel listening to recordings, this number melted down to about half – a total of 217 musicians.

The ARD has provided 112,500 Euros in prize money for this year’s competition. In addition there will be special prizes and grants with a value of 45,500 Euros.

This year, as well, each competitor will not only be expected to present a wide repertoire ranging from the 18th century to the present day, but also a work especially written for the competition: “A Singing Sky” for voice and piano by John Woolrich, “Gesine” for harp solo by Toshio Hosokawa, “Summer’s Prélude and Winter’s Fugue” for violin solo by Poul Ruders and finally “Atlas Textures” for double bass solo by Nicolaus Richter de Vroe.

For the first time in the history of the competition, besides the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Münchener Kammerorchester, the Münchner Rundfunkorchester will also be taking part, accompanying the singers from the semi-finals until the prize winners’ concert. For the semi-finals of the harpists, prize winners from the 2004 competition year have been invited to accompany the competitors: besides the Quatuor Ébène, which became famous as a result of its competition victory, these will also include flutist Magali Mosnier and clarinetist Olivier Patey.

2009 Prize Winners’ Concert

As the concluding event, the selected musicians will appear in three concerts with the Münchner Rundfunkorchester under the direction of John Fiore, the Münchener Kammerorchester and finally the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks under the direction of Lawrence Renes.

All the events will be broadcast live on Bayern 4 Klassik. Bavarian Television will telecast the September 18 orchestral concert on October 3 at 11:30 A.M. Other ARD radio stations will transmit the concerts either live or shortly thereafter.

The ARD International Music Competition first took place in 1952 and is one of the most renowned competitions world-wide. For many meanwhile world famous artists, the award in Munich represented the springboard to an international career: Jessye Norman, Francisco Araiza, Natalia Gutman, Christoph Eschenbach, Mitsuko Uchida, Thomas Quasthoff, Yuri Bashmet, Christian Tetzlaff, Heinz Holliger and Maurice André, to name but a few. Prize winners from more recent years include, inter alia, Sol Gabetta, Measha Brueggergosman and the Quatuor Ébène.

Further information: www.ard-musikwettbewerb.de

Founded in September 2000, RW Media Relations is a Munich –based public relations firm specializing in the arts, classical music and musical theatre. RW Media Relations supports artists, concerts agents, promoters and local press departments of cultural institutions with their PR work.

openpr.com

Summer retreat on Sylt

Almost 40 kilometres of fine sandy beaches along the west coast, brightly coloured beach loungers, the roar of the breakers, and air that sparkles like champagne. Let your body and soul unwind as you gaze out to sea.

A refreshing swim, sports and good spirits; in the evening the setting sun bathes the sky and ocean in a fascinating riot of colours. That, in a nutshell, is a typical day on Sylt.
Sun bathing and swimming, games and beach gymnastics – there’s always plenty to do here for holidaymakers.

Recline and enjoy the heat as you look out to sea from one of Sylt’s beach saunas, which are open in the summer and winter. Cool down by plunging into the biggest pool around: there’s no need to jostle for space in the North Sea.

The promenade in Westerland is perfect for a relaxing stroll, or pop into the Music Shell and listen to a promenade concert. If the weather’s not inviting, step into the Reading Lounge where you can read the daily papers in a luxurious club atmosphere free of charge; the Lounge is open from 9:00 to 19:00 (www.sylt-marketing.de).

TASH

Enjoy an active holiday – cycling, riding and golf

Take pleasure in cycling to the top of gentle hills, breathe in the invigorating sea air as you gallop along sandy beaches or lightly swing your golf club on idyllic golf courses. In Schleswig-Holstein you can try out new sports and enjoy the many charms of the local countryside while you recharge your batteries in Schleswig-Holstein’s uniquely maritime surroundings.

Cycle along the trail of the Vikings
On your bikes, get set, go! Between St. Peter-Ording and Maasholm the Wikinger-Friesen-Weg (Viking-Friesian route) is perfect for exciting cycling holidays and excursions. The six-day “First Class Tour” package takes you from east coast to west coast, through the stunning countryside of Schleswig-Holstein, and back again; accommodation is in four-star hotels with wellness facilities; a lavish cyclist’s breakfast is served every morning and you’ll be given a tasty packed lunch to keep you going through the day. Prices start at €359 per person.
The tour starts in St. Peter-Ording, which is located on the North Sea coast at the tip of the Eiderstedt peninsula. Day one takes you to the charming little Dutch town of Friedrichstadt – famous for its canals, which are simply perfect for boat trips. The next stop is Schleswig on the shore of the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, and from there you cycle to Kappeln and then back to St. Peter-Ording. The tour takes you along the old trading routes of the Vikings and the Friesians and there are countless places of interest and relics of past cultures, from the new stone age to medieval times, to visit during your trip.

Of dyke paths and orchard tours
Cycle paths are just as much a part of Glückstadt an der Elbe as the many sheep on the dykes. From this charming little town, the 340km Mönchsweg (Monk’s Path) cycle path takes you right across Schleswig-Holstein to Puttgarden on the island of Fehmarn. Glückstadt is also an ideal starting point for tours through the Elbmarschen marshlands. Choose from a variety of themed tours: the Dyke Tour takes you along the dykes and within touching distance of the giant ships; on the Vegetable Tour you cycle through one of Schleswig-Holstein’s largest vegetable growing areas; the Meadow Tour leads you along waterways and old dykes, while the Orchard Tour takes you through the area’s lush orchards to Kollmar and Neuendorf. As a special tip: cycle from Glückstadt to the Herrenfeld water biotope and climb up to the observation platform for a magnificent view across the bird sanctuary and the river Elbe. Prices for a tour with two nights in a double room with breakfast, two hired bicycles and cycle maps, a packed lunch and coffee and cake start at €109 per person.

Flat or hilly – we’ve got the right tour for you
The Holsteinische Schweiz has over 200 kilometres of well-signposted cycle paths, which take you alongside lakes and rivers, across fields, meadows and forests, with flat stretches or easy to medium gradients. The pretty countryside with little farm shops, small churches, hay hotels and rustic country inns give the area its unique charm.
The new themed routes through the OstseeFerienLand along the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, the Probstei or Holsteinische Schweiz offer culture with the "städtchen tour” (town and village tour) or waterside cycling on the SchleiuferTörn, which takes you along the banks of the Schlei fjord. Holidaymakers can choose from around 30 tours, from easy to challenging routes, one-day excursions or full cycling holidays.

2000 kilometres of signposted routes in Schleswig-Holstein, the land of horses
Schleswig-Holstein, between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, is the perfect place for equestrians and horse fans of all ages. A dense network of bridle paths and tracks, including 2000 kilometres of signposted routes, countless equestrian events and friendly, competent hosts, make riding and trekking holidays here a very special experience. The island of Sylt, for instance, offers popular riding excursions to the Wadden Sea at Keitum and has a 30-kilometre network of bridle paths, riding stables for both seasoned and novice riders, and a true equestrian highlight with the German Polo Masters, which takes place at the end of July and the beginning of August.

Find your favourite green on the golfcoast* Schleswig-Holstein

With over 60 golf courses between Sylt and Fehmarn, Schleswig-Holstein is a veritable paradise for golfers. Amazing greens, breathtaking views across the countryside and out to sea and modern driving ranges make golfing in Schleswig-Holstein so special. Many of the courses are open to players without a membership and offer one-off sessions so you can try your hand at this great outdoors sport. The golfküsten*-card and the golfküsten*-card flexi give you great discounts and the flexibility to try any course between the North and the Baltic Sea.

Schleswig-Holstein’s golf courses and hotels have a wide range of special packages and offers, catering to beginners and seasoned golfing enthusiasts who want to try as many new courses as possible while on holiday. The golfküsten*-card flexi, Germany’s very first regionally accepted 9-hole card, costs only €89 and can be purchased online or from over 40 golf courses. The principle is simple: select five courses from the choice of magnificent courses between the North and the Baltic Sea and enjoy a fabulous 9-hole round with a stunning natural panorama. As a special extra, you can combine two 9-hole rounds to a full 18-hole round. The card is can be used 365 days a year on most courses and is valid for twelve months after your first round.

More details and lots of tips for a great holiday in Schleswig-Holstein are available from the Schleswig-Holstein Tourist Office (TASH). Tel. 0049/ 18 05/ 600 604 (calls from Germany are charged at €0.14/min; calls from mobile networks will be charged at a different rate). www.schleswig-holstein.info

Press contact
Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein

BIKE EXPO – The New Cycling Expo In Munich

From July 23rd to 26th, 2009 everything at the New Munich Trade Fair will revolve around cycling – when the premiere of BIKE EXPO takes place. The much anticipated new cycling show by Messe München International focuses on “Cycling Trends for City and Nature”, and will present many commercial and socially relevant topics such as Urban Mobility. Industry visitors will enjoy an early glimpse of the latest trends in the areas of E- and City Bikes as well as Fashion, Components, and Bike Tourism. Trade days are July 23rd and 24thand BIKE EXPO opens its doors to the public on the following weekend (25th and 26th).

Although the event was only publicly announced at the end of January, it has enjoyed a positive response from the industry despite this rather short preparation period. More than 180 exhibitors with over 220 brands have come on board for the premiere of BIKE EXPO among them renowned brands such as Abus, Additive Bikes, Adidas Eyewear, Alpina International, Bulls, Camelbak, Ciclosport, Craft, Derby Cycle, Focus, Full.Speed.Ahead., Giant, Gonso, Herkules, Kalkhoff, Kettler, Kona, KTM, Maloja, M-TRAXX, Pantherwerke, Paul Lange & Co./ Shimano, Pegasus, Pinarello, PG Bikes, Radon, Rocky Mountain, Rixe, Rohloff, Rose, Rotwild, Schwalbe, Selle Royal, Sigma Sport, SKS, SR Suntour, Therm-Ic, UVEX, Wheeler and Ziener.

BIKE EXPO is not just a platform for established brands; companies with fresh, new ideas will also enjoy this perfect staging ground. At the Innovations & Trends Village companies such as Lezyne, Kettenmax, Veloboy, Jango, Biria, Tribus Athletics, Zigo, RTI Sports, and Elmoto will present themselves and their innovations to the show’s international audience.

In addition to viewing the exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a number of informative seminars. In cooperation with Extra Energy e.V., the highly regarded international market resource for LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles), BIKE EXPO presents its primary topic Pedelecs and E-Bikes, including information on Pedelec market statistics and tourism. In addition, there will be technical seminars by SR Suntour, FSA, and PG Bikes. Urbanlogics will present on Fixies. The panel discussion “Future of Bike Mobility” is guaranteed to unearth interesting information; organized by the renowned SportKreativWerkstatt.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test the latest products during BIKE EXPO. A variety of test tracks indoors and outdoors have been created, including the generously designed ExtraEnergy TEST IT track, where visitors may demo the latest models by Daum Electronic, ID Europe Components GmbH, BionX, Kranich Trading AG, Helkama, Velox Oy, Giant Deutschland, Derby Cycle, and Panther Werke.

The extensive outdoor exibit area at the New Munich Trade Fair is focused around the specially built MTB and Dirt tracks, providing a meeting place for the entire cycling scene, and featuring an attractive, first-class event program as well as festival atmosphere. The area will be divided into three segments with different highlights: MTB Test Fest, Park & Ride Zone and VELONALE. At the MTB Test Fest, coordinated by PLAN B, the focus is on the consumer. Here they can talk to manufacturers about the latest products in a casual atmosphere, and demo the equipment to their hearts’ content. One highlight of the MTB Test Fest is the Scott Junior Trophy powered by Milka, where future cycling stars compete in 5 age groups from 4 to 14 years old. Bike event specialists Rasoulution organize the Park & Ride Zone, which promises the highest level of excitement and entertainment with the BIG IN BAVARIA Dirt Contest attracting the world’s best riders to compete for a prize purse of 20,000 Euro for each discipline. Another special highlight are the Trial shows by Scotland’s rising star Danny MacAskill, who combines the MTB disciplines Street and Trial with highly technical tricks a at a specially designed BIKE EXPO Trial track during several 20-minute shows. WheelzUp! Bike Film Festival enriches the urban-cultural side event at BIKE EXPO 2009. “NASU - Summer in Andalusia”, “Klunkerz”, “B.I.K.E. - the movie”, and the German premiere of “Death Pedal” are four feature films spotlighted by the screenings, setting standards in their respective genres. Following the feature films
the program continues with cycling-related short films.

Sunday is the start of the VELONALE, organized by sports marketing agency runabout. This is a bicycle race for everyone - from active families to ambitious hobby athletes - divided into three contests, Touring, Renner and Chrono, on specially closed streets in Munich’s East. The organizers expect close to 1,000 participants. BIKE EXPO covers more than 22,000 square meters of hall space as well as 25,000 square meters of the outdoor exhibit area close to the East Entrance.

Manfred Wutzlhofer, Chairman of Management, Messe München GmbH: “Munich was predestined for a show with focus on cycling. Not only because the city embodies the new cycling culture, but also because as a trade show location Munich offers a state-of-the-art exposition center, optimal infrastructure and accessibility, as well as an extensive selection of hotels in all price categories. How important these factors are to the industry is clearly shown by the positive response we have received to the premiere of this event . Announced only last January the constructive feedback from the entire industry creates a very positive forward outlook for BIKE EXPO indeed.

http://www.bike-expo.com

9/MK/vH.

Bike EXPO / Messe München

Spirit of Woodstock Festival 2009

The Spirit of Woodstock Festival in Mirapuri, Italy, is the leading European Festival of the Free-Music Revolution with free camping & free entrance and friendly prices for food, drinks and hotel-accomodation. The Spirit of Woodstock Festival is combined with the hearty feastin’ and drinkin’ flavour of Mirapuri’s one and only original Bavarian Oktoberfest in Italy as well as the love Flowerpower-Happening of the Mirapuri Rainbow Gathering. The Spirit of Woodstock Festival in Mirapuri offers to visitors and participants great multicultural entertainment with international flair and an inimitable atmosphere of Love and Joy.

When: from 31.07. - 09.08.2009

Where: Hotel & Event-Location ‘Omnidiet’
Via Monte Falò 8
28011 Mirapuri-Coiromonte
Prov. di Novara
Italy

Program: every day live-concerts from 5 am to 1 pm; free entrance

Spirit of Woodstock Festival:
www.SpiritOfWoodstockFest.com

Festival Bands 2009
Michel Montecrossa, Mirakali, Diana Antara, The Fabulous Sound Sisters,
Andiedi, Auricular Witness, Vortice Di Nulla, Dario Elia, Dhea, Downkiss, Eyreen Sue And The Strangers, Fox & Family, Giancarlo Schinina & The Level Blues Band, Ginger, Gitanes, Godwatt Redemption, Jaff, Kathy'n The Wild Billies, Lisagenetica, Far Fetched, Radio Vudù, Seaward, Smoked Flowers, Space Paranoids, Tarinii, Wild Scream, Third Stone From The
Sun, Violashiva, Wir, Young Experienced, Bad Weather Project, Blind Boy Death, Blue Wild Angel, Blues Anytime, Purple Rock, Fastbeat Superchargers, The Beach Bums, David Butterfield, Blash, Menestrello, RemHendrix, Underwater Affair

Mira sounds / openpr.com

217 young musicians have been admitted at the 58th ARD International Music Competition

From August 31 to September 18, 2009, the ARD International Music Competition, one of the most renowned music competitions in the world, will take place in Munich. The categories announced for this year’s Munich competition are voice, violin, double bass and harp.

All in all, there were 406 applications from 44 countries on five continents. 135 singers alone were among them, closely followed by the violinists. There were 94 applications from double bass players and 52 from harpists. In the course of the anonymous selection with a panel listening to recordings, this number melted down to about half – a total of 217 musicians.

The ARD has provided 112,500 Euros in prize money for this year’s competition. In addition there will be special prizes and grants with a value of 45,500 Euros.

This year, as well, each competitor will not only be expected to present a wide repertoire ranging from the 18th century to the present day, but also a work especially written for the competition: “A Singing Sky” for voice and piano by John Woolrich, “Gesine” for harp solo by Toshio Hosokawa, “Summer’s Prélude and Winter’s Fugue” for violin solo by Poul Ruders and finally “Atlas Textures” for double bass solo by Nicolaus Richter de Vroe.

For the first time in the history of the competition, besides the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Münchener Kammerorchester, the Münchner Rundfunkorchester will also be taking part, accompanying the singers from the semi-finals until the prize winners’ concert. For the semi-finals of the harpists, prize winners from the 2004 competition year have been invited to accompany the competitors: besides the Quatuor Ébène, which became famous as a result of its competition victory, these will also include flutist Magali Mosnier and clarinetist Olivier Patey.

2009 Prize Winners’ Concert

As the concluding event, the selected musicians will appear in three concerts with the Münchner Rundfunkorchester under the direction of John Fiore, the Münchener Kammerorchester and finally the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks under the direction of Lawrence Renes.

All the events will be broadcast live on Bayern 4 Klassik. Bavarian Television will telecast the September 18 orchestral concert on October 3 at 11:30 A.M. Other ARD radio stations will transmit the concerts either live or shortly thereafter.

The ARD International Music Competition first took place in 1952 and is one of the most renowned competitions world-wide. For many meanwhile world famous artists, the award in Munich represented the springboard to an international career: Jessye Norman, Francisco Araiza, Natalia Gutman, Christoph Eschenbach, Mitsuko Uchida, Thomas Quasthoff, Yuri Bashmet, Christian Tetzlaff, Heinz Holliger and Maurice André, to name but a few. Prize winners from more recent years include, inter alia, Sol Gabetta, Measha Brueggergosman and the Quatuor Ébène.

Further information: www.ard-musikwettbewerb.de

Ruth Wischmann - Media Relations / openpr.com

Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America

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Audience can buy one-day tickets to this year's festival

As an exclusive feature this year, Roskilde Festival sells one-day tickets.

Not everyone has the energy for a whole festival week. Some cannot get a week off for eight days of partying – and for others, all the favourite acts are playing on the festival Friday.

No need for such concerns anymore. As something entirely exclusive this year, Roskilde Festival sells one-day tickets to all music days – 2, 3, 4 and 5 July.

"We don't sell that many tickets abroad this year. Because of great currency fluctuations the ticket prices are high in countries such as Sweden, Iceland and the UK. Therefore, we have some extra space by the stages – and it should certainly not go to waste," say Roskilde Festival's spokesman Esben Danielsen.

One-day ticket sale has begun
One-day tickets are available right now on the festival's ticket page to Thursday 2 July, Friday 3 July, Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July – and, of course, to the entire festival week.

Each one-day ticket costs DKK 750 (approx. € 100). The festival-goers can print the ticket themselves – so they can easily buy the ticket on the same day as they leave for the festival.

Tickets are also available at the festival entrances – here each one-day ticket costs DKK 825 (approx. € 110) and a ticket for all days DKK 1975 (€ 265).

Attractions every day
"Each day offers headlining attractions in various genres. On Thursday we present Kanye West, and Friday offers Faith No More who are on an exclusive festival tour. Come Saturday, the music gets hard and heavy with Slipknot, and Sunday has a superb closing act in Coldplay. And that is without mentioning the remaining 176 acts that are also playing," says Esben Danielsen.

Rapper LaPret

Rapper LaPret directly impacted By Deadly WMATA Metro Train Collision on Monday
South Capitol Recording Artist Larry “LaPret” Pretlow II created a YouTube tribute video for the deceased persons involved in Monday’s Metro Red Line Train Crash in NE Washington, D.C. He dedicated the hit Mariah Carey single “Mine Again” to the crash victims. The views for the video posted on his official KINGLaPret profile continues to increase by the hundreds since its 8pm debut last night.

On his official twitter profile ( KINGLaPret ) he stated: I travel by METRO on a regular basis when I'm home in DC! Today at 3:45 I had just rode the RED Line from Judiciary Square to Gallery Place! –

A fan posted a comment on the official YouTube video created by LaPret, dedicated to the victims. The fan wrote: I traveled and got caught up in the chaos after the accident. My condolences to all the victims. I can’t help but say it, the WMATA system that runs Metro really needs to get its act together. This is a sad wake up call.

LaPret replied: I strongly agree. Earlier today, another rider and I discussed reports that the train doors have opened in many events while the trains were sometimes pulling into the metro station ( still in motion ), and then this sad event takes place.

As a Washington, D.C. Native from the WARD 7 River Terrace Community, located in North East, the Rapper was impacted a great deal by the tragic events that took place on Monday evening during rush-hour. His aunt is a former Metro Train Operator and current employee of WMATA.

LaPret is a founding-member of the positive and very political Hip Hop group, Profound Intent and has released several successful solo singles, including “Got the Skillz”.

Record Label / Entertainment News

South Capitol Recordings (ASCAP)
openpr.com

Kieler Woche - Kiel week - No Wind – No Races – Except the women’s match race

It was not only a promise from the day before that there would not be much wind on the second day of the 127th Kieler Woche. Only the third group of the 21 teams of the women’s match racing sailed today, completing their first round robin in very light winds. For all other Olympic Classes in the ISAF Sailing World Cup the races were postponed until Monday.
Rain and light winds kept all the sailors of the Olympic classes ashore today except for the women’s match racers. Near to the shore Group C began their round robin to decide which two teams would qualify automatically for the Quarter Finals and join the four teams who qualified yesterday.

It was a long day on the water for the seven teams in Group C and with three German teams in action there was plenty to interest the local fans. The first match of the day saw Olympian Ulrike Schuemann (GER) take on Amanda Schrivenor from Australia. Schuemann has only recently begun match racing and her win against the Australian team was exactly the start she was looking for.

Finally however, it was Germany’s Silke Hahlbrock who made the best of the day, posting five wins from her six matches; her only loss was to Ulrike Schuemann. Genny Tulloch (USA) and Schuemann both finished with four wins but it will be Tulloch who joins Hahlbrock in the quarter-final because she won the match between the two of them.

Hahlbrock and Tulloch join Lucy Macgregor (GBR), Nicole Souter (AUS), Paula Lewin (BER) and Renee Groenefeld (NED) who qualified from groups A and B. For the remaining 15 teams a second round robin will decide the last two places in the quarter finals and is scheduled for Monday.

So with no racing there was time to talk about the German efforts for the 2012 Olympic Games in Weymouth, Great Britain in the daily press conference. Just back from the 470 European Championship with the silver medal in the bag Lucas Zellmer and Heiko Seelig are focused on 2012. After a year break Lucas Zellmer and Heiko Seelig started training seriously again this winter in Palma and came to Kiel with a complete new boat. And it works obviously as they scored first place finishes in both races on Saturday to top the leaderboard. “We hope now to get funding from the German Sailing Association to accelerate our Olympic campaign”, explained Zellmer.

With former Olympic Tornado sailor Johannes Polgar teaming up with Tim Kröger in the Star, fresh winds came into the German Star fleet. Re-organized and building up a new training group together with Johannes Babendererde and Timo Jacobs and Alexander Schlonski sailing with Frithjof Kleen, Polgar is looking forward to the future: “With a big portion of freshness but highly concentrated on our target we look forward to optimizing our training efforts. We are happy that Robert Stanjek and Markus Koy also joined our group before Kiel. It is a new approach for us to train together but it is in all our interests to work together.”

One race was completed by the Star fleet yesterday and it looks like the new training system is paying off; Stanjek and Koy took with the bullet with Polgar and Kruger second. The light winds suit Polgar and Kruger and both are enjoying the new challenge. Polgar explained how he has had to completely change his whole training program after his Tornado campaign: “In Qingdao my weight was 68kg, now I am 86. But I have to take care not to build up weight instead of muscles. We have a long way to go to reach the best crew weight and are working with nutritionists to get the best diet and training regime.”

The other strong training fleets here in Kiel are the RS:X. With the RS:X European Championship finishing on the same day that racing began in Kiel, many of the big names in fleet are not competing. But for up and coming talent Moana Delle, whose next target is the world championship in September, Kiel was the best choice of event. “Kieler Woche and the World Championship was the best combination for me to be able to take my exams at university and to get a good preparation for the Worlds”, stated the 20 year old from Kiel. Delle made the perfect start to her regatta yesterday, finishing first in both races. Currently in eleventh position on the ISAF World Cup Standings, an overall win for Delle will put her in a strong position to challenge for a podium position if she competes at the final event in Weymouth in September.

Having learned a lot from his 2008 Olympic campaign Toni Wilhelm will be back for 2012: “I have analysed my last campaign to avoid making the same mistakes again. I started my training again in March and after finishing my studies I have now enough time to be on the water.” After two races yesterday, Wilhelm is third on the leaderboard after finishing second and sixth.

(ISAF / Kieler Woche)

About 4,500 Vespa pilots visited Zell am See-Kaprun

They flocked to the region from Italy and Portugal, from Germany and Great Britain: about 4,500 riders from 22 different nations participated in the Vespa World Days in Zell am See-Kaprun last weekend. For four days, the international fan community celebrated its passion for the Italian scooter produced by Piaggio. Since 2007 these meetings have taken place under the name of Vespa World Days. 2009 was the first year that the scooter fans met outside of Italy in one of Austria's most beautiful holiday destinations which is absolutely made for long excursions over the mountains and the pass roads. To experience this unique event dyed-in-the-wool Vespisti put up with extremely long journeys. Record holder of 2009: a Vespa fan from the U.S. state of Arizona.

Already one day before the 'swarm of wasps' arrived on Thursday, 11th June, the region of Zell am See-Kaprun had got into the right mood for the largest and most important international fan meeting of its kind.

The trees in the town centre of Zell had been decorated with small wooden Vespa ornaments and Italian music as well as colourful flags guaranteed for the perfect ambience. Solely the weather did not cooperate on the opening day. But despite rain, the Vespisti enjoyed the kick-off event and their ride up to the Alpine reservoirs of Kaprun to the full.

On Saturday the riders met for a large parade circling Lake Zell sparkling in splendid sunshine. About 3,300 pilots did not want to miss the unique opportunity to participate in this great group excursion along the lake's shores.

Like pearls on a string, the Vespas - from the first models to the latest development 125 S - cut a fine figure. But not only the participants themselves had a great time: passers-by and onlookers were enthralled by this spectacle and joined the Vespa fans and their party. In the evening the scooter fans kept to themselves, however. At the festive gala evening, the members of as many as 250 different clubs shared their love and passion for their dearest hobby with each other.

One day before, on Friday, the organizers had invited the Vespisti to a journey to Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Already at 8.30 am, about 2,500 Vespa fans got in the saddle of their scooters, many of which have been revamped or painted in Pink-Panther or camouflage style. Then they set out on the famous Alpine road heading for Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout at an altitude of 2,370 metres above sea level - the highlight of the Vespa World Days 2009 for many participants!

The visitors were absolutely delighted with the programme which had been set up within a period of merely six months and appreciated the organizers' efforts: the guests of the great charity gala donated about 7,000 euros to the Kinderseelenhilfe Salzburg, an association that helps children with psychological conditions. In view of the event's great success, Zell am See-Kaprun toys with the idea of staging a meeting for Vespa fans next year again. The name will be a different one then, though, since the official Vespa World Days 2010 are being hosted by the town of Fatima in Portugal.

For more information on the Vespa World Days and many other topics about the holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun please visit www.zellamsee-kaprun.com on the Internet.

The holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun with its 14,000 beds and two million overnight stays per year is one of the most important holiday destinations in Austria. The beautiful flora and fauna in the Alpine panorama and Lake Zell guarantee relaxation and well-being. Golfing, hiking, and bathing are at the focus for the summer time programme, but visitors can choose from more than 40 other activities as well.

During the cold season, fun on skis and boards make sure that there is no dull moment. Skiers can comfortably reach the 138 kilometres of slopes covered with powder snow by one of the 54 lifts. Snowboarders enjoy the perfect conditions of the Snowpark on the 2,600-metre-high glacier plateau. Even in the summer you can swish down the slopes here. And family-friendliness is a top priority in Zell am See and Kaprun. For this reason, the region has already received various awards.

Contact within the region
Guest Service Zell am See-Kaprun
Brucker Bundesstraße 1a
A-5700 Zell am See
Phone +43 (0)6542 - 770 0
welcome(at)zellamsee-kaprun.com
www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

Press contact
knoefler-journalist . media + communications GmbH