the Fall of the Wall | der Fall der Mauer
On November 9, 2009, the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1989, the Cold War cultivated Fear, and the Fall of the Wall symbolized physical and real hope for unity, freedom, and peaceful revolution.
Today, walls that are both tangible and intangible continue to separate individuals; they continue to breed fear and resentment and discourage understanding and dialogue. For those alive in the year 2009 and facing these modern walls, the Fall of the Berlin Wall is a two-decade old symbol that represents hope in building bridges across different cultures and promoting understanding among diverse peoples.
Join us in an hour-long commemoration of this historic event. Thomas Berger, Associate Professor of International Relations, offers a reflection both as a German political scholar and as a witness to the Fall of the Wall in 1989. Igor Lukes, Professor of International Relations and History, presents an Eastern European perspective as a historian of Central Europe in the 20th century.
The Bridge Ensemble - Brückenensemble
Timothy Westerhaus, conductor
An ensemble of 40 singers and orchestral players perform:
J. S. BACH Lobet den Herrn
ARVO PÄRT Berliner Messe*
BACH "Dona nobis Pacem" from B MINOR MASS
*Premiered in East Berlin, 1990
This commemorative event will last one hour. It is free and open to the public.
