Germany’s Kölner Philharmonie Cancels Concert Due to Bomb Discovery

Cologne went into lockdown following the discovery of three unexploded WWII bombs, which have since been defused

The Cologne Philharmonic Hall’s planned evening concert on June 4 featuring the WDR Symphony Orchestra was abruptly cancelled after the city underwent the largest evacuation since World War II. 

Following the discovery of three unexploded WWII bombs in the city center, around 20,000 people were relocated by emergency services before the bombs could be defused safely. The bombs were dropped 80 years ago by Allied forces, the Guardian reported.

While news of the evacuation came in the afternoon, the venue hoped its concert would go ahead, however, it rearranged plans after the lockdown was known to last much longer. 

The broadcaster RTL was also affected when it had to shift news programs to studios in Berlin as its Cologne building sat within the evacuation area; several of its live programs due to be broadcast were recorded instead. 

“Since the lockdown is expected to last all day, as of now, a safe and scheduled performance of (our Rachmaninov) concert with the WDR Symphony Orchestra is not guaranteed,” Kölner Philharmonie shared at the time. “Tickets can be returned through the respective seller. We are very sorry for the short notice cancellation and thank you for your understanding.” 

The City of Cologne has since announced that the bombs were successfully defused, and that its previously blocked roads and bridges for safety measures are gradually reopening.