Bamberg, a jewel in the heart of Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a thousand years of history with spectacular architecture, a holy royal couple, a pope – and, not least, an internationally renowned orchestra! On 20 March 1946, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert. In the seventy years of its existence, the German orchestra has grown into a world class ensemble. Hence it is one of the most frequently travelling symphony orchestras in Germany. And experts are required when it goes on its travels with all equipment and instruments – for example, when it travelled to South America recently.
Wednesday/Bamberg
19.00h The orchestra’s final rehearsal in the concert hall Bamberg is coming to an end. Minutes after, the major packing operations start behind the scenes. Lids open, locks click: the musical instruments are being loaded into transport crates. Everything is supervised by Annette Lux. For more than 40 years, national and international orchestras have placed their trust in her company LUXREISEN – and entrust not just their instruments, but also the complete service from flight and hotel bookings for all members of the touring party to her.
Thursday/Kelsterbach
10.00h A total of 72 packages roll along in the MBS Logistics warehouse in Kelsterbach, where aluminium pallets are already waiting. The transport crates are packed onto them, because the biggest risks for the sensitive freight are vibrations and weather impacts. After all, even a hairline crack in one of the musical instruments can cause tremendous damage.
14.00h The five packed plane pallets (BUP) leave the MBS Logistics warehouse in Kelsterbach and are handed over to the Lufthansa Cargo Center. In the covered truck dock, the plane pallets are loaded from the HGV and taken to interim storage on a conveyor vehicle with electro-hydraulic tracks.
15.00h The freight papers are in the MBS Logistics office, on Oliver Hamacher’s desk. The customs clearance of the consignment on INF 3 customs paper is complete. A customs officer has signed the papers.
16.00h A loading agent from the Lufthansa Cargo Center checks the pallets on the parking area that are identified as the consignment for the cargo flight to São Paulo. With a gross weight of 4,323 kilograms, the orchestra equipment is distributed on a total of five pallets.
21.05h Flight LH506 takes off.
A few days later, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jonathan Nott enthrals the audience in the city of the 12 million inhabitants-metropolis with Beethoven’s fifth Symphony (Fate) and pieces of Mozart: a stirring evening full of dynamic forces in the mega city’s converted railway station!
