Europe seems to be out of joint—European integration is being questioned in fundamental ways. Uncertainty as well as fear of migration and mounting inequality have been dominating the public discourse and have given rise to populist parties. Positive narratives are needed to remind us of the groundbreaking power of European unity and to inspire change. Jointly, science and the arts can play an important role in this process.

In this spirit, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), together with the Pierre Boulez Saal, celebrates its 50th anniversary with an event focusing on the idea of “Europe: Myth and Vision.” Centered around the world premiere of a new composition by Jörg Widmann, performed by Daniel Barenboim and the Boulez Ensemble, the program will also feature works of European music history from Monteverdi to Boulez. Speakers will include Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek, Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, WZB President Jutta Allmendinger, and Maestro Barenboim. Kunstlabor S27 will present two projects involving children and teenagers from Berlin.

Starting at 9pm, The Gold Projections, an installation by American artist Joe Ramirez, will explore the search for a European identity in dreamlike film sequences.

An exhibition and short films highlighting current WZB projects will be on view in the Pierre Boulez Saal lobby.