DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider, is the Official Logistics Partner of the Gewandhaus Orchestra and is supporting the ensemble during this year’s tour of China and Japan.
DHL Trade Fairs & Events, a subsidiary of DHL Freight, is responsible for the logistics planning and transport of 115 instruments and the orchestra’s complete equipment. The Asian tour kicks off on March 14 with a concert in Shanghai. Performing under the baton of Riccardo Chailly, the orchestra will then head to Japan for performances. After eight concerts in five cities, the ten-day tour will conclude in Tokyo on March 23.
– We have been visiting Asia regularly with our concerts since 1961. This is our third Asian tour in cooperation with DHL. The partnership has stood the test of time, and we know we can be sure that our equipment will be transported punctually and safely. We are happy that we can focus entirely on the music – said the orchestra’s director, Andreas Schulz.
Many of the instruments are very delicate and irreplaceable. DHL Trade Fairs & Events uses special shock-resistant transport cases that allow for monitoring the ambient temperature of the instruments. In addition, DHL is transporting the entire orchestra equipment, including music stands, stools, the conductor’s podium, and wardrobes. The comprehensive services of the logistics partner also include handling customs formalities. The total value of the shipment is approximately 2.5 million EUR.
A special highlight for classical music fans will be the live online broadcast of the concerts in Shanghai on March 14 and 15. DHL and the Gewandhaus Orchestra will stream the concerts at 12:30 PM (Central European Time) on both days at www.dhl.com/inmotion and www.gewandhaus.de.
– Logistics planning for such a concert tour takes about two years. The most difficult challenge is the short intervals between concerts. Within ten days, we will be moving to a different city seven times. This requires a very tight schedule that we must follow in detail – says Vincenzo Scrudato, Managing Director of DHL Trade Fairs & Events.
DHL has been the logistics partner of the Gewandhaus Orchestra since 2005. The cooperation includes logistics planning for concert tours, transport of musical instruments, and equipment for concert halls. For performances in Asia and the United States, DHL also handles customs formalities.