Gewandhaus Music Director Andris Nelsons visits the Porsche factory in Leipzig

It was the Latvian conductor’s first visit to the Leipzig site, which included a tour of the assembly line. Gerd Rupp, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche Leipzig GmbH, accompanied Andris Nelsons as he was introduced to individual steps in the process. “There are many parallels between my day job as a conductor and the automotive manufacturing process. I’m impressed by the high level of quality and perfection, and in particular by the passion that each employee shows for their work”, says Andris Nelsons. The visit came to a thrilling conclusion with a trip around the factory’s own FIA-certified racetrack in a Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Porsche has been a global partner of the Gewandhaus Orchestra since the 2011/2012 season. The citizens of Leipzig also benefit from the collaboration: Thanks to support from the sports car manufacturer, the Gewandhaus Orchestra revived its popular “Klassik airleben” series of open-air concerts in 2014 after a four-year hiatus. The 2019 “Klassik airleben” concerts are due to be held on June 28 and 29.

“As a company with more than 4,300 employees living locally, it is very important to Porsche that we play a part in the life of the city. The “Klassik airleben” concerts have been a very successful contribution in this regard. Last year, 70,000 visitors heard the Gewandhaus Orchestra play – free of charge in Leipzig’s Rosental park”, says Gerd Rupp.

The company’s commitment to Leipzig includes a wide range of social, sporting and cultural activities that emphasise the link between the plant and the city, and the Free State of Saxony. For example, Porsche organises the “Turbo for Talents” programme alongside RB Leipzig and hosts the “Leipzig Quarter-Final” tournament for football-mad children. The Porsche workshop for school pupils held at the VDI GaraGe also represents the company’s goal of generating enthusiasm for technology. The environmental education project known as the “Porsche Safari” has been a new addition to the portfolio since summer 2018. The experience is aimed at children aged between 7 and 13. Participants can explore the varied flora and fauna of the 132-hectare nature area on the factory site on a four-kilometre-long hiking trail.