Harmony Society (Magdeburg)
The Harmonie-Gesellschaft was a sociable association in Magdeburg that shaped the cultural life of the city for almost two centuries.
The company was founded on October 1, 1783. The first seat of the association was on the property at Peterstrasse 1. The association's membership essentially consisted of the upper class of the city. This exclusivity was guaranteed by high membership fees and a limitation of the number of members. According to the articles of association, the aim of the association was to “promote social enjoyment, especially through entertainment, reading, games, concerts and balls”.
In addition to table parties, concerts were given in the hall or in the garden in the summer. Balls and theater performances were held in winter.
In 1878 the association opened up to officers of the garrison and royal or imperial officials.
The club building on Peterstraße was sold to the city of Magdeburg in 1904. In 1907 the association acquired the so-called Klusemannsche Villa on Kaiserstrasse (today Otto-von-Guericke-Strasse 64) as a new domicile . On the preserved building there is still the lettering "Harmonie", which refers to the former headquarters of the association. The building was significantly expanded by the association. During this time the society had between 400 and 500 members.
The company continued until the end of World War II . After Magdeburg was captured by US troops in April 1945 , the US Army set up a theater here. The building is still used as a venue by the theater magdeburg today .
literature
- Günther Hammerschmidt: First “Harmonie”, then Kammer and now the theater. In: Magdeburger Volksstimme from September 29, 2005.