Dresden/Bautzen (dpa/sn) – For Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch (CDU), a lively culture far away from the metropolises is “a very important” link for social cohesion. This is one of the reasons why, according to information from Friday in Dresden, she has taken over the patronage of the Schmochtitz music festival (July 1/2) in the Sankt Benno educational facility. The Sorbian National Ensemble, the folklore band Cimbálová muzika Ji?iho Janouška and violinist Markéta Janoušková provide “Czech Nights” with melodies as well as classical ballet and folklore dances.

According to Klepsch, the diverse Lusatia bordering on Poland and the Czech Republic, in which the Slavic people of the Sorbs are rooted, thrives on encounters and exchange. For centuries, different languages ??and cultures have coexisted peacefully and, complementing and enriching each other, have made it a unique region. The music festival cultivates tradition and rediscovers it. “Building bridges in a united Europe is the great challenge of this time, which we can only tackle together.”

The festival is sponsored by the Foundation for the Sorbian People, the Upper Lusatia-Lower Silesia Cultural Region and the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony.