Babelsberg Film Orchestra: A touching song for a sick colleague!

Babelsberg Film Orchestra: A touching song for a sick colleague!

In a moving gesture of solidarity, the Babelsberg Film Orchestra composed a song for their colleague Maria Marguerre from Borkheide, who was suffering from breast cancer. The musician received the shocking diagnosis at the beginning of February 2023, which not only affected her but also those around her. Driven by a deep connection, the members of the orchestra decided to give more than just a bouquet of flowers to express their support. In April, violinist Wolfgang Rönfeldt and a cellist who remained anonymous came up with the idea of writing a song that uses the power of music to unite pain and confidence [maz-online.de].

Intendant Klaus Beyer ensured that the orchestra was able to find time for this special project despite the busy concert schedule. Without hesitation, the musicians worked on composing and arranging the piece entitled “Augenblick” in just two weeks. Each musician received their own part in the song, making it a collaborative effort and demonstrating the strong connection between the musicians.

The touching presentation

On July 16, 2025, Maria Marguerre was presented with the song during the Elbland Festival in Wittenberge. One can only imagine the touch this gift made her feel. Touched, she decided to share the song and its underlying message of hope in a video to encourage others who find themselves in similar situations.

But the Babelsberg Film Orchestra didn't just draw attention to itself through this campaign. It is also under great economic pressure. As the Berlin newspaper reports, the orchestra has to make do with a limited budget, which affects the musicians' salaries. They earn between 1,300 and 1,500 euros gross for a 40-hour week, while salaries between 2,500 and 7,000 euros are common in state orchestras. These jarring differences shed light on the difficulties faced by creative minds in the music industry.

Cultural significance and challenges

Despite the economic challenges, the film orchestra has specialized in crossover projects and appeals to a wide audience with its diverse programs. It plays everything from Renaissance music to jazz and rock, and has established itself as a major player in regions without a fixed cultural offering. The musicians describe the need to react flexibly to the needs of film productions as a constant challenge, but one that should not dilute their own musical signature.

Dr. med. Dipl.-Mus. Isabel Fernholz confirms in her work how important music is for emotional and mental health. Music can be an important source of comfort, especially in challenging life situations such as illness. Fernholz is an expert in the field of musicians' mental health and specializes in preventing performance anxiety and promoting mental well-being. Your knowledge complements the valuable commitment that the film orchestra makes to others through its music, as shown on the website Music Council is to be read.

Given all these challenges, the story of Maria Marguerre and the Babelsberg Film Orchestra shows how crucial community and solidarity are in difficult times. Music is not only an art form, but also a powerful tool of healing and comfort. And while the orchestra fights for its existence, it proves with every bar that the power of music is inexhaustible.