German-French Youth Exchange in Paris and Görlitz-Zgorzelec

🎭 German-French Youth Exchange – In the Footsteps of Olivier Messiaen

📍 Why Görlitz and Paris? The composer Olivier Messiaen was interned in the Stalag VIII A prisoner-of-war camp in Görlitz in 1940/41. There, he composed and premiered his "Quartet for the End of Time" – one of the most significant musical works of the 20th century, created under the conditions of imprisonment and forced labor. His life and work in Paris connect the history of both cities and make him a bridge between German and French culture of remembrance.

🎓 From November 16 to 22, 2026, we invite 10 young adults (18–30 years old) from Görlitz and the surrounding area to the first meeting in Paris. As part of an educational program, we will explore Messiaen's biography, his music, and the history of the Second World War – including occupation, prisoner-of-war captivity, and forced labor. A creative workshop phase is an integral part of the program: participants will develop their own artistic approaches to these themes.

✈️ Travel, accommodation, and the program are fully covered. A follow-up meeting is planned for early 2027 in Görlitz/Zgorzelec.

REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/3ATa5WztAP9hdca59