News

Only in May, our founders were awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. Now, Musaik has received the 2025 Regine Hildebrandt Prize of the German Social Democracy. On 26 November 2025, we accepted the award in Berlin in the category “Commitment to social cohesion” from Manuela Schwesig, who is chair of the jury and patron of the Regine Hildebrandt Prize. The laudation was given by Martin Dulig.

Regine Hildebrandt Prize

Since 2002, the SPD party executive board, together with the Forum for East Germany of Social Democracy, has honoured individuals and initiatives who, in the spirit of Regine Hildebrandt, stand up for democracy, social justice, and solidarity. The prize commemorates the exceptional Social Democrat and her tireless commitment to disadvantaged people and the social unity of Germany.

Music as a source of strength

Listening to and actively making music was a matter of survival for Regine Hildebrandt during the time of the GDR. Just a few weeks before her death in 2001, she said: “Singing, making music in general, in a large choir or anywhere in an orchestra, is not only fun, brings joy and variety, but also gives incredible strength and strong courage for life.”

The importance of music education and cultural participation

Musaik founder Luise Börner says:
“We are very happy about this award. I hope that through our project we can plant a seed of the beneficial effects of music, and that music will become just as meaningful in the lives of our participants in the Musaik orchestra and their families as it was for Regine Hildebrandt: music as a source of strength and a place of community throughout life.”

She adds:
“We are grateful that this award gives us new strength and helps draw attention to the importance of music education and cultural participation.”

The prize money for Musaik – Grenzenlos musizieren is 5,000 euros. In total, the Regine Hildebrandt Prize is endowed with 10,000 euros. The winners in the category “Fight against the right wing” are the initiative Omas gegen Rechts from Potsdam and Bamberg.

On May 22, 2025, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will present the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Musaik founders Luise Börner and Deborah Oehler.

"Luise and Deborah open up the world of music to children, teaching them to make music together. Through their project, Musaik — Making Music Without Borders, they provide young people with free access to instruments and musical training. More than 100 children from over 20 countries learn to play string and wind instruments with them. They learn in groups, which teaches them responsibility, communication, and tolerance. Children and young people can regularly showcase their skills by performing in the orchestra or participating in concerts. This boosts their self-confidence. Luise Börner and Deborah Oehler's project succeeds in creating equal opportunities and strengthening the community in Dresden in this way. According to the explanatory statement."