ABOUT US
THE FOUNDING TEAM
We got to know each other through music, through events organized by the international "Ethno" music network and the "Folklang" orchestra, which Kathryn Döhner created and built up in Tübingen. While making music together, we gradually developed the desire to create a place where you can always meet musicians from all over the world and where you can make music undisturbed at any time.
At the beginning of 2020, we started looking for a suitable location: among the old farms, hotels and manor houses was the derelict Leisnig railroad station, which we visited straight away in mid-February. It was love at first sight. After months of deliberation - "Is it crazy to want to buy a train station?" - we went ahead and bought it in mid-July. A week later, we invited friends and family over to help us clean and clear out. Of course, we also played lots of music. The highlight was the open day, which was a great success with almost 500 visitors.
A lot has happened since then: two music summers and a number of events such as company parties, conferences and weddings. AND: We have been renovating the station since November 2021. More information will soon be linked here.
KATHRYN DÖHNER
musician | music pedagog | organiser of cultural projects
I am a violinist and music teacher and a passionate pioneer. I love creating and implementing new projects. For many years I have been an organiser of various cultural projects, including the successful intercultural project Folklang. I am also active from time to time as a mentor at ethno music camps.
My passion is bringing people together through various ways, especially through music. I really enjoy working with people - it helps weave an emotional web of trust and that feels right.
The station project is the place where I can fully use all my skills and I am really looking forward to bringing people together through music and art events at the station and making this place a creative oasis and a place of calm in the region.
ALIREZA RISMANCHIAN
free architect (M.A.) | organiser of cultural events | musician
I love bringing people together and creating spaces where people feel comfortable and get to know each other. Sustainability, heritage conservation and inclusion are especially close to my heart.
For a long time I asked myself how I could combine my greatest passions - architecture and music - until I understood what was at the heart of it all for me: human well-being, encounter and creativity!
For me, the train station is a place where people can open up, where they feel comfortable and celebrate their diversity together. The station is a popular meeting place where people can network and exchange ideas, both for the people in and around Leisnig and for the international ethno-music network, and is known for its high-quality events, openness and respect.
CHRISTOPH SCHÖNBECK
musician | music pedagog | language teacher
I am a passionate musician and language teacher. I always feel best when I can give people something that helps them in music or in life.
The station brings me back to the essentials: What is important in life? Why do I even get up in the morning? I can continue to develop here and there is always something new to learn. I've stopped pigeonholing myself and others and have learned that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
I am happy that the station attracts so many wonderful and interesting people. It's a nice feeling to see how everything is slowly growing together and something new is emerging.
THE BAHNHOF TEAM
MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER TRAIN STATION!
THE VISION
Leisnig station is a thriving cultural centre - a cultural station - a vibrant place for culture, exchange and encounters. There is close co-operation with the town of Leisnig, the university towns of Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz, as well as with the supra-regional cultural network and the international ethno-network. The project is recognised for its high-quality cultural events, concerts, music and dance workshops and attracts well-known lecturers from all over Europe. The cultural centre also creates a space for local cultural initiatives, youth clubs and cultural workers in the region. The station provides a framework for local businesses to offer products and services and creates jobs in the region. In addition to the cultural centre
there is a café, a restaurant, a beer garden and rooms for rent. The project is sustainably integrated into the local community and beyond and brings great added value to the Central Saxony region. It is known for its openness, respect and tolerance and epitomises a successful collaboration between local communities and an international cultural network.
The Leisnig train station is an example of how cultural initiatives can shape, influence and change local conditions in a positive way, and how mutual give and take can create a positive synergy effect for the city.
Music is a universal language
From the very beginning, our dream was to create a place where musicians from different countries could come together to share their music.
We offer high-quality cultural events as well as music and dance workshops with well-known artists and lecturers from all over the world.
Through music lessons, workshops and events, we offer musicians and music enthusiasts, whether beginners or professional musicians, a platform and the opportunity to realise their potential.
WHAT WE OFFER
Jam sessions | Music lessons
SUPPORT OUR PROJECT
Offering so much cultural programme and renovating such a huge station requires a lot of energy, time and money. In order for our project to continue to grow and reach its full potential, we need your support! Here are some ways in which you can support us in terms of energy, media, material or financially.
