January - March

Porsche sponsors television broadcast of Vatican concertSWR’s Radio Symphony Orchestra to play for the 80th birthday of Pope Benedict XVI.

Stuttgart/Rome. A very special first for Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart: the world renowned Radio Symphony Orchestra of the radio broadcasting corporation in South-West Germany (SWR) is to play for the 80th birthday of Benedict XVI on April 16, 2007 in the presence of the Pope himself, numerous church dignitaries and around 10,000 guests at the Vatican. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Zuffenhausen automotive manufacturer, the concert will be transmitted live on the radio station SWR2 and on the television channel 3Sat (at 6 pm in both cases). Germany’s first channel ARD will broadcast the event on the same evening at the later time of 11.45 pm. SWR television will show a repeat at 9.15 am on April 22. The concert will also be broadcast around the world by a number of television and radio stations.

A trailer before and after the transmission from Aula Paolo VI., the Papal States’ largest audience hall, will show that the broadcast is being presented by Porsche.

The birthday concert program for the Holy Father, which will be just under 90 minutes long, will include masterpieces of instrumental music from various periods and genres. They will be performed by young artists from several continents. The global elite of musical talent will be represented by the Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel (26) and the star violinist Hilary Hahn (27) from the USA.

The atmosphere will be created by a festive prelude (Canzona noni toni a 12) and a finale (Sonata 13) with music from the Italian master
Giovanni Gabrieli, who was an organist at Basilica di San Marco in Venice in the 16th century. However, the highlight of the performances will be Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, KV 216 which Albert Einstein once called a “miracle”. This will be followed by the last symphony of Antonin Dvorák, Symphony Number 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 “The New World”. This symphony is still one of the most popular pieces of the 19th century today. After the concert, Pope Benedict will then address the artistes and guests as well as listeners and viewers all over the world in a short thank you speech.

"For Porsche, promoting art and culture is an important part of our social commitment. The birthday concert is not only a gift to Pope Benedict – it will also delight millions of people all over the world. It also provides a major opportunity to bring high-quality music closer to the young generation in an unparalleled atmosphere. It is a great honor for our company to be able to support SWR and its outstanding symphony orchestra on this unique occasion," commented Porsche’s CEO
Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking.

02.03.2007