- To mark the ‘1,000 years of Leipzig’ anniversary, arvato Systems gives Leipzig City Libraries a multimedia show about the history of the valuable collection
- arvato Systems uses the project to strengthen its commitment to Leipzig
“Peter’s Music Library attests to Leipzig as a city of music throughout the centuries and is a first-rate special collection,” explains Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig. “I’m delighted that people are recognizing the value and significance of this valuable cultural asset and its history, which is also largely the history of the Hinrichsen family. I’m also glad to be part of efforts to preserve it for future generations.”
Peter’s Music Library is part of our cultural heritage and of Leipzig. The long and eventful history and the significance of this collection oblige us to protect it and to make it fit for the future. By preparing the history of the collection into a multimedia exhibition, the goal is to educate the residents of Leipzig and international visitors on the close ties between the city’s Jewish history and its music and publishing traditions.
“As an international media company for close to 60 years, Bertelsmann is also part of the music world, and arvato has been closely connected to Leipzig for four years now. On the occasion of the city’s anniversary, it’s a great pleasure for us to make a lasting contribution to preserving a valuable cultural asset like Peter’s Music Library and bringing it to life for generations. It’s available in two languages and can be accessed online regardless of location,” says Matthias Moeller, CEO of arvato Systems perdata, explaining the company’s commitment.
The foundation for Peter’s Music Library collection was established in 1861 and it was later expanded into a special scientific collection. The underlying idea was to gather the collective knowledge of music in one place. “In addition to the task of preserving the valuable works of the collection, we also feel that it’s our duty to highlight the treasure that the city of Leipzig possesses with Peter’s Music Library,” says Susanne Metz, Director of the Leipzig City Libraries. “The multimedia and web-based form of the presentation makes it possible to reach more people, particularly young people. The new virtual format will in no way reduce the number of physical visits. In contrast, we hope that it will spark interest in the original treasures.”
Peter’s Music Library has now been opened up for users to enjoy interactively. A timeline forms the basis and allows users to select an era. Other symbols such as sheet music, a cello, the bust of Henri Hinrichsen, a map of the city, and a stack of documents offer access to more content. Users can tap or click to call up photos, letters, documents, audio samples, scores, and explanations. “We’re delighted with the positive response and the good cooperation with the city of Leipzig going forward. We hope all of the residents of Leipzig enjoy experiencing Peter’s Music Library in a brand-new way!” says Matthias Moeller. The gift is to be presented at an official event on 26 November. The presentation will be available from Friday, 27 November on a large display on the third floor during the opening hours of the city library and online at www.musikbibliothek-peters.leipzig.de
