DHL delivers Leipzig Symphony Orchestra to Asia

Continuing its tradition of providing specialised international delivery services, DHL has announced it will transport the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra across the globe this month, supporting the orchestra's Asian tour throughout China and Japan. The first concert is due to place on March 14th in Shanghai and will be followed by a further 7 performances on a 10 day tour which concludes in Tokyo on March 23rd.

The endeavour marks DHL's continued partnership with the orchestra, for which DHL has provided logistics support since 2005. DHL not only transports the instruments and associated equipment but oversees all logistical planning of concert tours, a task which demands a large amount of preparation. Vicenzo Scrudato, Managing Director at DHL Trade Fairs and Events explained that, "Logistic planning for such a concert tour takes about two years. The toughest challenges are the short time slots in-between the single concerts. During a ten das tour we will move on to the next city seven times. This calls for a very stringent schedule that we have to follow in detail." 

A total of 115 musical instruments will be transported for this year's tour, many of which are highly sensitive and irreplaceable. Additional equipment including music stands, stools and the conductor's rostrum and wardrobe will also be delivered from the orchestra's headquarters in Leipzig, Germany to the various concert venues. The total value of the musical consignment amounts to approximately 2.5 million Euros.

Orchestra Director Adreas Schulz said, "We have been touring Asia regularly since 1961. This is already our third Asian tour together with DHL. The cooperation has stood its test and we know that we can rely on our equipment being transported in a punctual and secure manner. We look forward to being able to focus fully on our music."

This year, DHL will not only be taking the music to Asia but allowing those in Germany and across the world to listen to the performances as well: a live stream of the concert in Shanghai will be broadcast via the DHL website on 14th and 15th March at 12:30pm CET.