Festival of Political Songs
The Festival of Political Songs (German: Festival des politischen Liedes) was one of the largest music events in East Germany, held between 1970 and 1990. It was hosted by the Free German Youth and featured international artists.
Festival of Political Songs German: Festival des politischen Liedes | |
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1989 | |
Genre | Rock, folk, political music |
Dates | February |
Location(s) | East Berlin, East Germany |
Years active | 1970-1990 |
Founded by | Oktoberklub, Free German Youth |
History
The Festival of Political Songs was founded by the group Oktoberklub and took place in East Berlin every February from 1970-1990 as an official event of the Free German Youth. The event was first organized by the Berlin division, but from 1975 on was directed by the Central Committee of the Free German Youth.
Artists from 60 countries participated in the event during its durations, and the event would usually feature between 50 and 80 artists across around 30 countries. Prominent artists who have performed at the festival include Mikis Theodorakis, Miriam Makeba, Quilapayún, Inti-Illimani, Silvio Rodríguez, Mercedes Sosa, Gabino Palomares, Canzoniere delle Lame, and Pete Seeger accompanied by Chilean-exile and Berkeley based folk group Grupo Raiz.[1] The mascot of the festival was a red sparrow named Oki (derived from Oktoberklub).
After the collapse of East Germany, the festival lost financial support and infrastructure. In order to continue the tradition, a new festival called the ZwischenWelt Festival was held between 1991 and 1995. Its supporting organization dissolved in 1995 because of financial difficulties.
List of Festivals and Featured Artists
Festival Date | Artists Featured |
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February 15–21, 1970 | Reinhold Andert |
February 7–13, 1971 | Lyrik-Song-Klub |
February 13–19, 1972 | Hartmut König |
Political Song Festival of the 5th World Festival of Youth and Students
(July 29–August 5, 1973) |
Reinhold Andert |
February 10–16, 1974 | Songgruppe TU Dresden |
February 9–15, 1975 | Jack & Genossen |
February 7–14, 1976 | Schicht |
February 12–19, 1977 | Reinhold Andert |
February 13–20, 1978 | Schicht |
February 10-18, 1979 | Brigade Feuerstein |
February 9–17, 1980 | Reinhold Andert |
February 8–15, 1981 | Chor Berliner Parteiveteranen „Ernst Busch“ |
February 14–21, 1982 | Arbeiterfolk Arbeiterfolk |
February 13–20, 1983 | Ina Deter Patricio Manns |
February 12–19, 1984 | Pialkowski/Rieck |
February 10–17, 1985 | Karls Enkel |
February 16–23, 1986 | Norbert Bischoff |
February 15–22, 1987 | Gerhard Gundermann |
February 14–21, 1988 | Aufwind |
February 12–19, 1989 | Gerhard Gundermann |
February 11–18, 1990 | Reinhold Andert |
Gallery
- Visitors to the Festival from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 1989
- German singer-songwriter Hartmut König
- Musicians gather at the 3rd Festival of Political Songs
- Hartmut König with Bhupen Hazarika at the 3rd Festival of Political Songs
- 8th Festival of Political Songs
- Musicians at the Festival of Political Songs, 1988
See also
- List of historic rock festivals
References
- "Festivalteilnehmer 1970-1990 – Festival Musik und Politik" (in German). Retrieved 2020-07-01.