The stage design alone made it clear: At EINklang, everyone is invited to have fun and immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere. In addition to the barrier-free stage area, for example, a large video wall was installed on which sign and written interpreters made the event accessible to guests with hearing impairments. The organizers’ central concern was to include the entire audience and to promote tolerance, openness, and harmonious coexistence.
Through the universal language of music, people with and without disabilities were brought together at the Dillinger Lokschuppen. Over the course of the evening, 15 musical acts demonstrated that EINklang is all about participation as well as creating strong emotions together. The range of performances was impressive – from duets and instrumental pieces to dance groups. An inclusive hosting duo, consisting of Anna Gitzinger and Jessi Ziegler, once again skillfully guided the event.
„Our inclusive music festival grows bigger and better with each edition. It is an absolutely significant statement for successful inclusion. EINklang is an event that has long since radiated beyond the district,“ raved District Administrator Patrik Lauer in his welcoming speech. He himself has accompanied the inclusion festival from day one: The journey began in 2016 – the 200th anniversary year of the district – as a contest in the clubhouse in Fraulautern.
Social Minister Dr. Magnus Jung addressed the societal relevance of EINklang in his speech: "Inclusion is more than just a concept – it is the foundation for a togetherness that excludes no one. At the inclusive music festival EINKlang in Saarlouis, we witnessed in an impressive way how music brings together people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion means accepting all people as equal members of our society and appreciating their diversity, whether on stage or in everyday life. It is our shared responsibility to realize this vision – through collaboration, understanding, and above all, the courage to overcome barriers."
Franz-Josef Berg, mayor of the city of Dillingen, joined in the praise: "The EINklang Festival is an impressive example of how cultural diversity, community, and inclusion can be connected in an unforgettable way. I am pleased that the Dillinger Lokschuppen once again became the venue for this special event, which brings people together across borders. My thanks go to everyone who contributed to this success with their dedication and passion."
The success formula for EINklang was adapted by the Polish partner district of Bochnia. In the neighboring country, the equivalent event "Festiwal Piosenki Integracja Malowana Dźwiękiem" took place for the 17th time this year. Lilly Müller and Tim Theobald from the Saarlouis district participated and were able to captivate the Polish audience with "Weiße Fahnen" by Silbermond. And even at the home game in Dillingen, the two impressively demonstrated their musical talent.
In a friendly tradition, a delegation from Bochnia was once again present at this year's EINklang Festival, sending two duets to compete. While Aleksandra Nykiel and Filip Rychchik created captivating moments in the first half of the show with a heartfelt ballad, Anna Sasowka and Jakub Diadowiec contributed to the cultural diversity of the evening with a lively Polish song afterwards.
And friends of French music also had their share of enjoyment: students from the neighboring Metz schools Lycée Fabert and Collège Taison joined in. Together, the group of around 50 presented, among other pieces, "Forêts paisibles" by the baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau.
For the grand finale, all the participating artists gathered on and in front of the stage to sing the gospel classic "Oh Happy Day" together. The audience joined in the euphoria, creating yet another of many magical moments at the close of the event.
Support for the district of Saarlouis was provided by its cooperation partners: Café Courage in Dillingen, the Förderverein Ehrensache in Altforweiler, the city of Dillingen, as well as the Saarländischer Rundfunk. Additionally, several sponsors were involved: the Franco-German Youth Office, Nemak Dillingen, AWO Saarland, Saarland Sport-Toto, Kreissparkasse Saarlouis, the State Chancellery, the Ministry of the Interior, Building and Sport, Aktion Mensch, Saarland Casinos, the Sparkassen Finance Group, and KVS Saarlouis.
