Gewandhausorchester x DHL
Ode to
Logistics
Gewandhausorchester · Logistics partner since 2009
Perfect logistics for
perfect musical moments
We love our film, but things don't usually happen quite like that in real life. By the time the Gewandhausorchester takes the stage for its pre-concert sound check, every instrument is already in place—including the double bass. As the orchestra's Official Logistics Partner since 2009, DHL makes sure of it.
Every instrument is precious to the musician who plays it. On tour, the responsibility for protecting them falls to DHL. We make sure everything—from double basses and harps to violins and timpani—arrives exactly where it's needed, safely and on time. To make that happen, we rely on a logistics operation that's as finely tuned as the orchestra itself, built on proven processes and highly specialized transport solutions. Each instrument travels under carefully controlled temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring it arrives at concert halls around the world in perfect condition and ready to perform.
What you can win
Three prizes among all participants — from original parquet flooring to an aircraft model.
Original Gewandhaus Parquet
Numbered one-of-a-kind, limited to 750 pieces
Airbus A330-300F 1:200
DHL cargo model for collectors, approx. 32 cm (~12.6 in)
Airbus A330-300F 1:200
DHL cargo model for collectors, approx. 32 cm (~12.6 in)
Official Logistics Partner of the Gewandhausorchester
Our job as Official Logistics Partner is to make sure everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly, so the world's largest touring professional orchestra can create unforgettable moments on stage—whether in Leipzig, New York or Beijing. Backed by decades of expertise, we keep everything running smoothly and on schedule—perfectly orchestrated, you might say. And if a double bass really did need to make a last-second dash to the stage? DHL makes that happen, too!
Bass-baritone · Gewandhaus Choir Leipzig
Rodrigo Cruz
Brazilian-born Rodrigo Cruz plays the DHL courier delivering the double bass. Off camera, the classically trained singer is a member of the Gewandhaus Choir Leipzig. In his native Brazil, Cruz studied architecture while training as a singer at a conservatory. In 2018, he and his wife—also a classically trained singer—moved to the United States to pursue master's degrees in classical voice. After graduating, the couple planned to move to Germany, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold, so they returned to Brazil in 2020 and used the time to strengthen their German skills. Once the pandemic had passed, the couple were finally able to move to Leipzig. Since 2025, Rodrigo Cruz has sung with the Gewandhaus Choir while also working as a freelance vocalist.
For Cruz, the next goal is to earn a living entirely through music. His dream roles? The title role in Don Giovanni or Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro. One thing's for sure: Mozart is at the top of the list.
Meet Rodrigo Cruz
From architect to opera singer
Rodrigo Cruz on stage fright, his journey to Leipzig, and earning the orchestra's applause.
Rodrigo, in the film you play a DHL courier who delivers a double bass all the way to the Gewandhaus stage – singing the entire time. What was your reaction when you first heard about the idea?
When our Gewandhaus Choir director, Gregor Meyer, approached me about the film, I was pretty relaxed about it – mainly because I had no idea I was actually auditioning for the lead role! It wasn't until DHL chose me for the role that I realized how challenging it would be. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little intimidated. After all, I'd never acted in a film before—let alone as the lead! Fortunately, everyone—from the production crew to the Gewandhaus and DHL—was incredibly supportive, and any nervousness disappeared in no time.
You’re a classically trained singer who moved from Brazil to Germany to follow your passion for music. What was it about Germany’s music scene that appealed to you?
Germany has an incredible classical music scene. With so many professional ensembles and opera houses, it's one of the best places in the world for a classical musician to build a career. Back in Brazil, I worked as an architect, but music was always my true passion. When my wife and I decided to turn that passion into a career, we moved to the United States in 2018 to study voice. We chose the U.S. because we were already fluent in English; German we still had to learn. After the pandemic, we finally realized our dream and moved to Leipzig.
You've been singing with the Gewandhaus Choir since the start of the 2025/26 season. What does being part of the choir mean to you?
Even with Germany's vibrant classical music scene, establishing yourself as a professional musician here isn't easy. I’ve auditioned for several opera houses and professional choirs, but so far, I haven’t landed a permanent position. The Gewandhaus Choir may not be a full-time professional choir, but its artistic standards and quality are exceptionally high. The experience I'm gaining here has been incredibly valuable. It's where I get to live my passion.
Making the film was a completely new experience for you. Did you enjoy stepping into such an unfamiliar role?
Actually, the role didn't feel all that unfamiliar to me. Funny enough, my first job after moving to Germany was in a logistics warehouse. So I was able to draw on my own background and experience for the role, which helped a lot.
In the film's grand finale, you walk onto the stage with the double bass, sing the final note—and suddenly the entire orchestra rises to its feet and applauds you. What was that moment like for you?
As a singer, I'm used to receiving applause—but this was something special. It wasn't a performance in the usual sense. And though I know the members of the Gewandhausorchester from our concerts together, there isn't usually much interaction between the choir and the orchestra. So it was a good feeling to experience things from the other side for a change—and to receive a round of applause from these professional musicians!
Finally, what are your hopes for the future?
More than anything, I hope to make the leap to becoming a full-time musician. I have the training and experience—it often just takes a little more than that: the right opportunities, a good agent and, of course, a bit of luck. But making the DHL film has opened up a whole new possibility for me: I discovered that I really enjoy acting, so it's definitely something I'd like to explore in the future.
Behind the scenes
