Home | News | Road Tests Audi marks the 100th anniversary of the brand Audi Forum, in Ingolstadt, Germany Audi Type A 1919 Audi Typ C Alpensieger 1929 Audi Imperator 1939 Audi 920 cabriolet 1964 DKW F12 roadster Home > News > Audi 18th May, 2009 Opening ceremony with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Ingolstadt on 16th July, 2009 Top-tier pop concert in the Audi Piazza Historic Donau Ring for motor sports fans Grand finale with classical concert and fireworks in Klenze Park The brand with the four rings will kick off the celebrations marking its 100th anniversary with a grand opening ceremony at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt on 16th July. The ceremony, which will be attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will launch a four-day series of events. The premium manufacturer with the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” will mark its centennial by once again offering a compelling demonstration of its core competencies – attractive design and innovative technology. A world premiere awaits the guests in Ingolstadt on 16th July: Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the AUDI AG Board of Management, will unveil a new Audi model in front of around 2,500 invited guests. “We are proud of the tradition of the Audi brand and our company’s history of success. You have to be aware of your roots if you want to shape the future with new ideas and innovations,” says Stadler. The ceremony will open with a performance by pianist Lang Lang. The Chinese virtuoso has served as a global brand ambassador for Audi since 2006. Another highlight: Munich-based musician and producer Leslie Mandoki has composed a commissioned work for Audi to mark its 100th birthday. Under the baton of Paul Momberger, the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt will debut the classical work before the invited guests on 16th July. The internationally renowned Swiss lighting artist Gerry Hofstetter will provide the visual accompaniment to the opening ceremony: an exciting lighting installation highlighting the architecture at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt. Hofstetter has enchanted people the world over with his lighting art, and has previously illuminated a number of famous buildings including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Pyramids of Giza. Motor sports enthusiasts should mark 18th July on their calendars: that day, Audi Tradition will celebrate the centennial at the historic Donau Ring in Ingolstadt’s old city. Nearly every race car in the history of the brand will hit the road for demo runs. In addition to DTM (German Touring Car Championship) and STW (Super Touring Car) racers, the victorious Le Mans sports cars – the Audi R8 and the R10 TDI – will also put in some laps. The Audi R15 TDI racing prototype – the latest development from Audi Sport – will make its public road  debut on the Donau Ring in Ingolstadt. Outstanding drivers from Audi’s history are expected, with the attendance of two-time world rally champion Walter Röhrl, DTM champion Hans-Joachim Stuck and European rally champion Harald Demuth already confirmed. Just one week later, on 25th July, Audi Tradition will also hold an historic car event in Zwickau, the founding town of the brand. Four historic race cars will put in some laps around the Platz der Völkerfreundschaft. “I am pleased that AUDI AG will once again honour its place of 'birth' in Audi’s centennial year,” says Dr. Pia Findeiß, Mayor of the City of Zwickau. Audi is inviting its employees and the people of the Ingolstadt region to a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Ingolstadt’s Klenze Park on Sunday, 19th July, the last of the four days of celebrations. The free open-air concert will feature the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Brno under the direction of Peter Altrichter. The grand finale of the centennial celebration will be a spectacular fireworks display following the concert. Ingolstadt Mayor Dr. Alfred Lehmann is already looking forward to the event and praised the excellent cooperation shown during its preparation. “Organising cultural events is a largely a community responsibility, but we couldn’t do it without partners. AUDI AG has proven exemplary with its dedication to this partnership over the last few years.” The sporting highlight of the centennial celebration is the Audi Cup in Munich’s Allianz Arena. AUDI AG has invited FC Bayern München, AC Milan, Manchester United and Club Atlético Boca Juniors to play in the Audi Cup, a two-day soccer tournament on 29th - 30th July. The tournament will open with Boca Juniors facing Manchester United and FC Bayern München taking on AC Milan.  On Thursday, the losers of the first two games will play for third place before the winners compete for the title in the final. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Audi News ..... here More Historic Vehicle News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.