With “Charlemagne Prize LIVE,” Katschhof in the heart of Aachen will become Europe’s vibrant festival stage on May 13 and 14. Surrounding the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony, visitors can look forward to a thrilling open-air experience. In addition to a performance by Charlemagne Prize laureate Mario Draghi and opportunities to meet the Young Charlemagne Prize laureates, there will be a whole host of musical highlights—including performances by Michael Schulte, featuring emotional pop and Eurovision flair, and by the internationally acclaimed Italian guitar quartet 40 Fingers, with numerous classical and modern hits. Admission is free.

The focus this year will once again be on the appearances of the Charlemagne Prize winner (Mario Draghi this year) and the Youth Charlemagne Prize winners, who will provide insights into their visions for Europe in a discussion with the editor-in-chief of the Aachener Zeitung newspaper Thomas Thelen on May 13 at 7 pm. On the following day, the Charlemagne Prize winners and the guests of honor will also be in dialogue with the public: on May 14 at 1 p.m., they will talk about current European challenges and perspectives on the Katschhof stage with moderator Robert Esser.

A musical highlight awaits visitors on the eve of the awards ceremony: Michael Schulte is the special guest at Karlspreis LIVE. The German singer-songwriter, who achieved an internationally acclaimed fourth-place finish at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon with “You Let Me Walk Alone,” is known for his emotional songs, powerful voice, and commanding stage presence. With six studio albums, numerous Top 10 radio singles, and over a billion streams, he is one of the most successful German pop artists of his generation. His concert promises an emotional evening full of Eurovision vibes. Before that, DJ Adelaid from Rome will transform the Katschhof into an after-work dance floor at 6:00 p.m.

May 14 also offers a diverse program with an international flair. A special highlight is the performance by 40 Fingers at 3:30 p.m. The internationally acclaimed Italian guitar quartet—comprising Matteo Brenci, Emanuele Grafitti, Enrico Maria Milanesi, and Andrea Vittori—delights audiences worldwide with virtuoso technique, innovative four-guitar arrangements, and their signature fingerpicking style. Whether performing rock and pop classics or iconic film scores, their interpretations create a sonic world of extraordinary intensity and emotional depth. The 40 Fingers are taking a break from their current European tour this summer to play a series of concerts in Australia, among other places. At 2:00 p.m., the WDR Brass Quintet—back from concerts in Asia—will provide melodious highlights on the Katschhof with special renditions of numerous hits. In the afternoon, at 4:45 p.m., the quintet “Die Fünflinge,” an outstanding a cappella band from Aachen, will take the stage, thrilling the audience with their vocal diversity and precision. The atmospheric finale of the day will be provided at 6:45 p.m. by the Italo-World-Groove-Brass-Band Brazzo Brazzone, who will accompany the audience into the evening with energetic rhythms.

This year more than ever, the Charlemagne Prize Open Air will be an event for the whole family. That's why the little ones will also get their money's worth: in addition to face painting and a painting and craft station, the well-known and popular "Mouse" from WDR will be stopping by and will be available for selfies, for example.

All in all, guests can expect a varied program for everyone: numerous hands-on activities, Italian specialities, an ice cream van and an Aperol Ape will create a Mediterranean atmosphere. Those interested can find out more about Europe in the tents of European institutions, city partnerships and youth initiatives.

In cooperation with Hofkultur Aachen, a diverse program awaits the audience at Hof Aachen as well: At 2:30 p.m., the family and children’s theater group Tarantata will present an entertaining stage performance for all ages. In the early evening, at 5:30 p.m., the Italian Afrobeat and reggae band Le Cumbinate will bring a summery festival atmosphere to the courtyard with groovy sounds and international flair.

Admission is free. On May 14, security and bag checks will take place until approx. 3 p.m. due to the Charlemagne Prize ceremony.