Bachfest Karlshorst & Rummelsburg – Bach bewegt
Four days of Johann Sebastian Bach in Berlin's East – the second edition of Bachfest Karlshorst, concluding with the Mass in B minor
About Bachfest Karlshorst
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Bach in Berlin's East
Those seeking Johann Sebastian Bach in Berlin usually hear him at the Philharmonie or the Konzerthaus. In Berlin's East – in Karlshorst and Rummelsburg (Lichtenberg district) – an association has been working for several years to establish Bach in an unusual location: the neighbourhood around the church 'Zur frohen Botschaft' and the Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg. The Bachfest 'Bach bewegt' is its most important format.
The Idea
'Bach bewegt' aims not to preserve Bach as a museum piece, but to place him within a vibrant urban context. The festival therefore combines chamber music concerts with film and literary formats (Bach in the Cinema, Bach as a Film Theme), a sing-along service, a family programme, and a grand final performance of the Mass in B minor BWV 232 – one of the most monumental works in music history.
Four Days, Three Churches, One Work at the Centre
The 2nd edition runs from May 28th to 31st, 2026. The main venue is the church 'Zur frohen Botschaft' at Weseler Straße 6, a remarkable organ location in Berlin with its historic Amalien organ. In addition, there is the Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg, where the sacred concerts take place on Saturday evening, and the Kulturhaus Karlshorst (Thursday evening, film discussion with Knut Elstermann).
Karlshorst and Rummelsburg
Karlshorst and Rummelsburg, both in the Lichtenberg district, are quiet Berlin residential areas with their own history. Karlshorst, once a military centre for the Soviet forces, is now a well-established bourgeois neighbourhood with a racecourse, several churches, and an active cultural scene. Rummelsburg connects to Friedrichshain via the Rummelsburger See.
Bachfest Karlshorst — edition 2026
The second edition of the Bachfest unfolds the work of Johann Sebastian Bach over four days and three venues. Thursday evening opens with a film discussion at the Kulturhaus Karlshorst (Knut Elstermann, book and film excerpts 'Bach bewegt'). Friday focuses on brass arrangements and organ improvisations in the church 'Zur frohen Botschaft'.
Saturday is designed as a 'Bach kreativ' day: workshops, open organ tours, dance activities, readings, a children's musical, and two evening concerts – including sacred motets and a mass at the Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg. Sunday culminates with a sing-along service, piano recital, introductory lecture, and the performance of the Mass in B minor BWV 232.
Programme Bachfest Karlshorst 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Bach in Cinema (Opening)
- 7:30 PM – Kulturhaus Karlshorst: Film critic Knut Elstermann presents his book 'Bach bewegt' with film excerpts
- Note: already sold out
Friday, May 29, 2026 – Bach by Brass
- Church 'Zur frohen Botschaft', Weseler Straße 6
- 6:30 PM – Brass ensembles: Bach arrangements for trombone ensemble
- 7:00 PM – Concert 'Best of Bach' with choir, orchestra, and organ
- 9:30 PM – Evening organ improvisations on the historic Amalien organ
Saturday, May 30, 2026 – Bach Creative
- Daytime: Street music in Karlshorst, creative workshops, family organ tours, dance activities, children's musical, literary reading
- 7:30 PM – Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg: Concert with sacred motets and mass
- 9:30 PM – Late romantic organ transcriptions of Bach's works
Sunday, May 31, 2026 – High Mass (Closing)
- 10:00 AM – Church 'Zur frohen Botschaft': Sing-along service with Bach chorales
- 2:00 PM – Piano recital: Selection of preludes and fugues
- 4:30 PM – Introductory lecture on the Mass in B minor BWV 232
- 6:00 PM – Closing Concert: Mass in B minor BWV 232
Exact cast, soloists, and conductor will be published in the weeks before the festival on bach-bewegt.com.
Highlights Bachfest Karlshorst 2026
- 2nd edition of Bachfest Karlshorst
- Film discussion with Knut Elstermann (May 28th, sold out)
- 'Bach kreativ' day on May 30th with workshops and two evening concerts
- Sing-along service and Mass in B minor BWV 232 to conclude
- Historic Amalien organ in the church 'Zur frohen Botschaft'
Prices Bachfest Karlshorst 2026
Practical information — Bachfest Karlshorst
Getting There
Church 'Zur frohen Botschaft', Weseler Straße 6, 10318 Berlin-Karlshorst (S-Bahn S3 Karlshorst). Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg, Nöldnerstraße 43, 10317 Berlin (S-Bahn Nöldnerplatz or Rummelsburg). Kulturhaus Karlshorst, Treskowallee 112, 10318 Berlin.
Tickets
Many events are free (donations welcome). Ticketed concerts: Price category I €22 / reduced €18, price category II €20 / reduced €16 (as of 2026). The film evening on May 28th is sold out. Tickets available via bach-bewegt.com.
Organisers
Bach bewegt e.V. in cooperation with the Evangelische Paul-Gerhardt-Gemeinde Lichtenberg. Patronage: Mayor of Lichtenberg District.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Bachfest Karlshorst
Kirche "Zur frohen Botschaft" Karlshorst + Erlöserkirche Rummelsburg + Kulturhaus Karlshorst
Weseler Straße 6, 10318 Berlin
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