DHL hits the right notes with Orchestra transportation
DHL has announced it is to transport the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra’s musical instruments during the orchestra’s concert tours to Asia and across Europe in 2011. The cargo – which includes more than 100 musical instruments – is worth several million Euros.
DHL will use air-suspended vehicles and temperature-monitoring systems, among other things, to assure safe transport.
The world’s largest professional orchestra will give guest performances in Asia from 4 to 21 March and in various European cities from September to December.
“To make every concert a success, it is crucial to ensure safe transportation and meet the tight schedule. The planning of a complete concert tour starts up to one and a half years in advance of the opening concert,” explained Wolfgang Giehl, head of corporate brand marketing, Deutsche Post DHL.
The total cargo weight is 6,000kg with a volume of approximately 60 m3. Apart from 500g light triangles and kettledrums weighing 133 kg, DHL also transports music stands, sheet music, the conductor’s rostrum and the musicians’ wardrobes.
Since the instruments are very sensitive and can be damaged easily, DHL ensures that the temperature level is continuously controlled and documented during transport. The position of the transport vehicles is continuously monitored by GPS. DHL also takes care of all customs formalities along the way.
“DHL is a reliable partner, whose experience and know-how has always ensured smooth tours in the past. This year again, we are embarking on our tour feeling confident and concentrating entirely on our music,” said Professor Andreas Schulz, director of the Gewandhaus.
