Despite continued concerns over the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 infections, the Bavarian state government hoped to convey a sense of normalcy in 2020 by organising the Festival of Nations, a classical music festival, in the Weltheilbad in Bad Wörishofen.
More than 25 years ago, an idea became reality: A single children’s event grew into a variety of support projects for children and young adults. The Festival of Nations, which has set many unknown artists on the road to international recognition, established a mission to preserve tradition, discover new talent, and realise innovative projects through the enthusiasm of young people. For this reason, support projects form one of the three pillars of the classical festival, along with the festival’s promotion of current star artist and Young World Elite upcoming artists.
COVID-19 turned the start of the festival year 2020 upside down. Festival Director Winfried Roch and his team were concerned they wouldn’t be able to open the festival safely. The Director’s professional connections in Asia, help develop a sound hygiene and safety concept. The concept comprised of placing FLIR thermal imaging technology at the entrances in the concert hall foyer. With this the team was able to provide some safety assurances to concert-goers.
Sophisticated concept
The plan for holding a safe event amid a pandemic was subject to strict health requirements, which the Festival team conveyed transparently to the audience: masks covering the mouth and nose worn until the guest took their seat (with a recommendation that masks be worn voluntarily during the concert), a limit of 200 guests in a hall normally designed for 900, individual admission times to prevent queues, four different entrances with a coloured guidance system all the way into the hall, and thermal image screening stations at the four entrances. The plan was convincing, so local authorities allowed the festival to take place in 2020 despite all adversities.
