Gewandhaus

Of all the squares in Leipzig, Augustusplatz is eye catching and overwhelming. Not only is it a massive open square with a huge waterbody in the middle but its two ends are dominated by two beautifully designed buildings and both are dedicated to music. One of them is the Gewandhaus. Going back almost two and half centuries, the majestic Gewandhaus was founded by 16 merchants in the mid 18th century as a centre of music. The tradition has continued and the Gewandhaus Orchestra is one of the most accomplished in the country and has been conducted by such historical greats as Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. For over two centuries, the orchestra has accompanied the Opera located opposite as well as the St Thomas Boys Choir during its rendition of motets that it performs each weekend at the church. The concert hall regularly holds spectacular performances and the spectacular mural on the sloped ceiling depicting an orchestra in action is a tourist attraction.