The Klassik airleben allows the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra to thank their audience at the end of another Gewandhaus season.

The world-famous symphony orchestra plays two open-air "Große Concerte" (big concerts) on two consecutive evenings, to which all Leipzig residents and visitors are invited.

The Rosental turns into an open-air concert hall and is a meeting place for families, friends and acquaintances. Thousands of people camp out on the meadow in front of the stage – and they bring folding chairs and blankets and picnic baskets.

The atmosphere is singularly captivating. Even typical non-fans are enthralled by the music's charm, the summery flair and the relaxed mood. Wine and sandwiches, shorts and flip-flops – the audience is mesmerised by the top-tier orchestra's incredible show. It is not a seldom occurrence for "folding chair friendships" to be forged, and for neighbours to make plans to meet the next year.

Porsche, the Gewandhaus Orchestra's strong partner, is primarily, but not exclusively responsible for continuing to provide free entry to the Klassik airleben, with several other businesses contributing too.