Aschaffenburg Bach Days

Bach in Aschaffenburg since 1985

The Aschaffenburg Bach Days are one of the most remarkable constants in the Lower Franconian concert scene. Founded in 1985 by the Bach Society Aschaffenburg e.V., the annual series has developed into a firm meeting point for Bach interpretation in Southern Germany over 38 editions. In 2026, the Bach Society celebrates its 40th anniversary – the festival edition and the society's history merge into a double anniversary year.

Several Venues, One Soundscape

In contrast to monolithically conceived festivals, the Aschaffenburg Bach Festival thrives on its diverse performance venues:

• Collegiate Basilica of St. Peter and Alexander – the spiritual and acoustic center; venue for major opening and organ concerts
• Christuskirche – main Protestant church, ideal for chamber music and cantata programs
• Festsaal in Park Schönbusch – courtly ambiance for chamber music in the 18th-century spirit
• Pilgrimage Church of Schmerlenbach – a Romanesque gem in the neighboring municipality, suitable for intimate programs

Motto 2026: "Bach & Bohemia"

The 2026 festival is dedicated to the musical connections between Bach, Thuringia, Saxony, and Bohemia. As the Bach Society states: "The 2026 concert program will show musical connections, pursue neighboring parallels or contrasts." The focus is on Bach's encounters with his (Catholic) Bohemian colleagues – a rarely performed aspect of Bach reception.

Program Pillars 2026

• Organ Excursion: Season opening with a trip to Wiesbaden and Kiedrich (July 11)
• Opening Concert "Bach and Bohemia" with Gunther Rost on the organ of the Collegiate Basilica (July 18)
• Lecture on Bach and Bohemia by Dr. Christine Blanken (July 22)
• "Da pacem domine" with the Ensemble Inégal and the Chamber Choir Ars Antiqua (July 25)
• Chorale Service and Recital "Bach's Ancestors" (July 26)
• Bach Cello Suites with Maria Zaitseva (July 30)
• Flute and Harpsichord: Henrik Wiese and Peter Kofler at the festival's conclusion (August 2)

The Bach Society Aschaffenburg

Founded in 1985, the Bach Society Aschaffenburg e.V. organizes the Bach Days on a voluntary basis. In addition, it is committed to promoting historically informed performance practice, maintaining Aschaffenburg's organ heritage (especially the Klais organ in the Collegiate Basilica), and organizing chamber music events throughout the year.

Aschaffenburg – "Bavarian Nice"

Aschaffenburg, located in the far northwest of Bavaria on the Main River, is one of Bavaria's least Bavarian cities: for a long time belonging to Kurmainz, culturally strongly oriented towards Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region, with the nickname "Bavarian Nice" (Ludwig I of Bavaria). The city has around 70,000 inhabitants and is located in the district of Aschaffenburg. This cultural dual identity is also reflected in the programming of the Bach Days, which, with the motto "Bach & Bohemia" in 2026, once again looks beyond regional borders.