Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" interrupts German right-wingers' demo in Mainz

On Saturday an official demonstration by Alternative Für Deutschland, a populist right-wing group which in recent weeks has fomented prejudice and suspicion against the refugees pouring into Germany, was interrupted by strains of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" issuing from the State Theatre in Mainz.

The theatre's artistic director, Markus Müller, had invited his staff to assemble in the building's upper foyer overlooking the square where the demonstration was taking place. They then opened the windows and gave such a rendition of "Ode to Joy" that the crowd of 300 or so demonstrators below could not hear those addressing them from the stage.

Holding placards bearing the message "Stop Racism", theatre staff continued to sing until the police formally brought a "gross disruption" complaint against the artistic director. AfD also brought an official complaint in the same vein. Whether the matter will be pursued through the courts remains to be seen.

Click here for a clip of what happened: Mainz State Theatre drowns out right-wing demo