’An die Freude’ (Ode to Joy) is the last part of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony Nr. 9 (1824, Op. 125).
Widely regarded as one of the greatest musical works ever, the 9th Symphony is loved and played all over the world, the original manuscript is part of the World Heritage of the United Nations and the (wordless) music has become the Anthem of the European Union.
The words Beethoven chose for the choral sung in the 4th movement are still as relevant today as they were when he was born, 250 years ago. He selected parts of the poem ‘Ode to Joy’ (1785) by Friedrich Schiller:
Freude, schöner Götterfunken Tochter aus Elysium,
… Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.
(Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, Daughter from Elysium,
… All people shall become brothers, wherever your gentle wings hover. )

After a very difficult year and at the hopeful beginning of better times to come,
this 2021-New Year’s Ball is designed as a reminder
that we have to step outside the barriers of political, racial or national thinking if we want to solve our problems,
and that we can achieve great things if we all work together as humans.

In anticipation of a more joyful future, let’s join in Beethoven and Schiller’s elation:
Seid umschlungen, Millionen! Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!
(Be embraced, you millions! This kiss is for the whole world!)