I founded Callias Foundation in February 2016 in Berlin as an independent think-and-do tank. The idea of ‘Callias’ was originally inspired by the script ‘Kallias Briefe’ by Friedrich Schiller. It came to me during the 5^th Global Table of BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt in Tanzania which I attended as one of an international team of experts. 

Throughout my career in music, I have been interested in fostering intercultural innovation in the field of classical music as a means to enhance relationships between people for whom classical music is an important part of life.

From the very beginning my aim has been to propose a unique narrative for Europe, and to develop the concept of a “Silk Road Cultural Belt” in reference to the historic Silk Road which fostered cultural exchange as much as it did trade. The Silk Road Cultural Belt serves as a sounding board for classical music to develop new forms of interactivity with ‘the other’ in a global context. We harness the power of digital innovation and reach out to new audiences through our live concert series in Vienna, Berlin and other cities along our imaginary European Silk Road and beyond.

This concept was partially inspired by an initiative proposed by the wiiw in Vienna to develop a massive rail and road infrastructure project spanning Europe in response to similar Chinese initiatives. I wish to pay tribute to the visionary researchers who developed this proposal and express the sincere hope that this ambitious project will see the light of day. 

Thanks to the generous support of Google Ad Grants we have been able to promote the Silk Road Cultural Belt in over 225 countries.

In 2024, Callias Foundation took up headquarters in Vienna, a historic crossroad between East and West, and a city steeped in music. From here we develop new programs and new spaces to share music that brings together people who share humanist values and a common understanding of Europe and its role in the world.