Bergstadtsommer St. Georgen 2026

A Festival Week in the High Black Forest

The Bergstadtsommer St. Georgen is a music week that has been bringing classical, jazz, and soul music to the southern Black Forest for years. In 2026, the festival runs from September 5 to 12, 2026, with an additional final concert on September 13, 2026, at the Franziskanerkonzerthaus Villingen. The organizers are a cooperation between the cities of St. Georgen im Schwarzwald and Furtwangen, as well as the Jugendmusikschule St. Georgen-Furtwangen. The motto “Heimatverbunden — Musikbegeistert" represents the connection between regional roots and world-class programming.

Opening with Nozomi Hiwatashi (September 6)

The Bergstadtsommer opens on Sunday, September 6, 2026, with a special program: Japanese percussionist Nozomi Hiwatashi presents a virtuosic set of contemporary percussion music — a combination of Western classical music, Japanese tradition, and experimental sound art. Hiwatashi is one of the most sought-after contemporary percussionists in Europe and Japan.

Cécile-Verny-Quartet — Jazz Highlight (September 12)

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Cécile-Verny-Quartet will perform at the Bergstadtsommer — the renowned Freiburg-based jazz quartet led by singer Cécile Verny, born in Côte d'Ivoire and raised in Germany. With their unmistakable mix of modern vocal jazz, African influences, and French lyrics, the quartet is among Germany's outstanding jazz ensembles. Over 20 years of stage experience, numerous CD releases, and performances at major European jazz festivals.

Final Concert in Villingen — Frank Dupree + Kammerorchester Schwarzwald (September 13)

The finale takes place at the Franziskanerkonzerthaus Villingen-Schwenningen on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The soloist is the celebrated German pianist and conductor Frank Dupree, who will present a classical program with the Kammerorchester Schwarzwald. Dupree is one of the most versatile artists of his generation: classical soloist, jazz pianist, and conductor — creating bridges between styles that perfectly reflect the spirit of the festival.

St. Georgen im Schwarzwald — Mountain Town at 810 m Altitude

St. Georgen im Schwarzwald (Schwarzwald-Baar district, district code 08326, approx. 13,000 inhabitants) is located at an altitude of 810 m in the southern Black Forest, between Donaueschingen and Villingen-Schwenningen. The town is a true "mountain town" — historically shaped by the clock industry — and is home to, among other things, the Deutsches Phonomuseum (German Phonograph Museum) with a unique collection of mechanical musical instruments and old record players. The town's musical tradition finds its festive annual manifestation in the Bergstadtsommer.