Award for 'Red against Racism' anthem

FC Bayern makes people sit up and listen: a few weeks after its premiere at the FC Bayern Basketball match at BMW Park, the ‘Red Against Racism’ anthem, composed by the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Munich for the German champions' diversity initiative, was recognised at the volunteer reception of the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Culture. The fact that FC Bayern is committed to social issues is “a shining example of community in action”, said Minister of Culture Anna Stolz. She expressed her gratitude to all those “who enrich our society”. Bavarian Volunteer Commissioner Gabi Schmidt added that such projects make a strong statement about social responsibility: “They are examples by actively showing that every individual can make a difference.”

The anthem sums up what is more important than ever today, said Julia Grossmann, founding director and chairwoman of the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Munich, who was sitting in the hall with Andreas Werner as representative of ‘Red Against Racism’: "It’s about cohesion, tolerance and respect. Different voices, cultures and stories merge into an anthem that not only stays in your ears, but also touches your heart. FC Bayern knows that its responsibility does not end at the perimeter of the pitch. We are very happy about this joint project, which was honoured today in such a special setting. Sport and music reach people – we can make a big difference."

Minister of Culture Stolz invited schoolchildren to the Court Church of All Saints in the Munich Residenz to honour them for their voluntary service. At the event, children and young people demonstrated the full range of their voluntary work: from school first aid services and activities in the field of remembrance culture to their work as ambassadors for values. The Jewish Chamber Orchestra brought the event to a close with the ‘Red Against Racism’ anthem.

As part of a collaboration between FC Bayern and the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Munich, a total of 300 children and young people from 16 different schools spent weeks composing and rehearsing the anthem. "Now ‘Red Against Racism' is not only visible, but also audible," said president Herbert Hainer. The leitmotif of the initiative is ‘encounters’, which is why the club also organised a sports programme for the schoolchildren at the FC Bayern Campus during the rehearsals.

Photo: Jens Hartmann / volunteer reception 2025