Bonn’s Akademisch-Musikalische Verbindung Makaria, a place where history harmonizes. This is Makaria. It is more than just a building. It is a vibrant hub of culture and camaraderie.
Makaria’s story began in 1878. Georg Ragoczy and Emil Sehling founded it as a musical association. By 1880, it evolved into a student Verbindung. A year later, Makaria joined the Sondershäuser Verband. This is a testament to its commitment to musical excellence.
The name Makaria itself carries a poetic meaning. It is derived from a Theodor Körner poem. Makaria means “Glückseligkeit” or “bliss”. This reflects the joy and fulfillment members find here.
In 1882, a crisis struck. Nine of ten active members left. They formed a new Verbindung named Marchia. But one determined member, Hänlein, rallied 17 new individuals. This led to Makaria’s refounding in October 1882.
The year 1883 marked a significant turning point. After a meeting with Ragoczy, the name “Makaria” was officially adopted. This cemented the Verbindung’s identity and its connection to Körner’s poem. The Altherrenverband, the alumni association, was founded the following year.
A significant milestone arrived in February 1906. Makaria inaugurated a new house. It was designed by architect Karl Thoma. This building on Bonner Talweg still belongs to Makaria today. Its Jugendstil facade is a protected historical landmark. This makes it special.
Even during World War I, Verbindungsleben continued. However, in 1935 and 1936, Makaria faced dissolution. The Kameradschaft “Moltke” was established. It occupied the house during the winter semester of 1939 and 1940.
After the war, Makaria was re-established in 1948. A new Aktivitas, or active student body, was formed. In May 1948, the Sängerverbindung Ascania-Curonia Königsberg merged with Makaria.
The war had taken its toll. Makaria lost all its furniture. But in 1950, through Wiedergutmachungsverfahren, the house was returned. Compensation was received for the lost inventory. For a time, a private trade school occupied the upper floor. By 1962, Makaria could fully utilize the house again.
Since 1969, women have been welcomed into the Verein. In 2001, seven rooms were set up for the Aktivitas.
Today, AMV Makaria Bonn continues as a vibrant hub. It is a mixed, non-fencing, and non-couleur-bearing Verbindung. It offers a wide range of cultural events. About 20 active members make music together. They use the facilities for concerts, film evenings, lectures, and art projects.
Makaria boasts unique spaces. There is a “beflügelter” concert hall with a grand piano. A large living room provides space to socialize. The Jazzkeller serves as a rehearsal room. These facilities allow members to express themselves musically.
The AMV Makaria Bonn embraces inclusivity. It distances itself from Saufzwang. It rejects right-wing extremist ideas. It also steers clear of traditional Verbindungs customs like wearing colors.
The AMV Makaria Bonn stands as a testament to music, friendship, and cultural exchange. Its motto is “In musica solatium et refugium”. This means “Comfort and refuge in music”. The Zirkel, or symbol, of Makaria includes an M for Makaria. It also features the letters v, c, f. These stand for Vivat, crescat, floreat. It means “May it live, grow, and flourish”.
Many notable individuals were members of Makaria. They include Arnold Brecht, a political scientist. Also Horst Eickmeyer, mayor of Meersburg. Leonhard Jores, a pathologist. Karl Lamprecht, a historian. Theodor Litt, a reform pedagogue. Paul Luchtenberg, minister of culture of North Rhine-Westphalia. Fritz Rittner, a legal scholar. Emil Sehling, a jurist. Robert Siller, a Reichsgerichtsrat. Otto Strecker, an agricultural scientist. Heinrich Süder, mayor of Schlebusch. And Fritz Volbach, a conductor and musicologist.
The AMV Makaria Bonn offers a welcoming space. It is for anyone passionate about music. Whether as a performer, technician, or enthusiastic listener. Its beautiful house in Bonn’s Südstadt provides opportunities. Here, one can explore their musical talents.