130 Years of Kantorei Stuttgart-Vaihingen — Anniversary Festival 2026

130 Years of Vaihingen Kantorei

The Vaihingen Kantorei has been an important part of Protestant church music in Stuttgart since 1896. 130 years of choir history — through world wars, dictatorships, reconstruction, and several generations of choirmasters — represent a remarkable historical arc, which will be honored in 2026 with a four-day anniversary festival. From June 11th to 14th, 2026, the Protestant Parish of Stuttgart-Vaihingen will celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Kantorei with a program of concerts, a festive service, and a neighborhood gathering.

Thursday, June 11th — Opening Concert

The opening on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, is the Opening Concert at the Stadtkirche Stuttgart-Vaihingen with Prof. Ulrich Hermann (Bassoon) and other guests. Hermann is one of the most renowned German bassoonists and university professors — the choice of artist is both programmatic and a tribute.

Friday, June 12th — "Diversity in Harmony" with the Mendelssohn Siblings

The musical centerpiece is the Anniversary Concert "Diversity in Harmony" on Friday, June 12th, 2026 at the Stadtkirche. The focus is on works by the Mendelssohn siblings — Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and his sister Fanny Hensel. This programming is musically and culturally historically unusual: while Felix Mendelssohn is undeniably canonical as a great composer of the Romantic era, his equally talented sister Fanny has only recently received her due recognition in recent decades. The concert places them on equal footing.

Saturday, June 13th — Festival at the Waldheim

Saturday, June 13th, 2026, is a day for community — celebrated at the Waldheim. On the program:

• Choir history exhibition with photos, documents, and memorabilia from 130 years of the Kantorei
• Quiz on the Kantorei's history
• Brass serenade
• Coffee and cake
• Joint gathering of active members, alumni, and supporters

This festival day at the Waldheim is also the social and communal pillar of the anniversary — a day that makes the history of the Kantorei visible and tangible.

Sunday, June 14th — Festive Service with Bach Cantata

The conclusion on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, is the Festive Service with Bach Cantata at the Stadtkirche, followed by a reception. The choice of a Bach cantata is programmatic: Bach represents the sacred music of Protestantism, tradition, and continuity — fitting for a Kantorei that has nurtured precisely this tradition for over 130 years.

The Kantorei and its Conductor

The Vaihingen Kantorei is a four-part choir conducted by Kantor Lucia Müller. It is accompanied by the Collegium Instrumentale of the Stadtkirche and soloists. Rehearsals take place at the Stadtkirche Stuttgart-Vaihingen — the district of Vaihingen is located in the southwest of Stuttgart, characterized by the university (University of Hohenheim nearby), research institutes, and a growing population.

Tickets and Reservations

Tickets for the anniversary concert on June 12th are available via Reservix. The opening concert, the festival at the Waldheim, and the festive service can be attended with individual tickets or as part of an anniversary pass package.