Germany's 60th Anniversary Party Slimmed Down

It's sobering news. While classical music lovers can still, in all likelihood, look forward to a concert with top conductor Kurt Masur, Rolling Stones fans will be devastated that a free concert featuring the rock band will now no longer take place. Other spectacular program events are also going to be axed.

The taxpayer rather than private sponsors will now pick up the bill for the new slimline version of the celebrations, which will be run by Germany's Federal Press Office. The costs are estimated to run to some 3.5 or 4.5 million euros.