Black Forest Voices — Vocal Festival

Vocal Black Forest Festival with Global Reach

Black Forest Voices is one of the most innovative vocal festivals in German-speaking countries. Organized since 2019 by the association Black Forest Voices e.V., it brings professional singers and dedicated amateurs from all over the world to Kirchzarten in the Dreisamtal every summer. The mix is unique: high-level international concerts, workshops for every skill level, coaching for aspiring professionals, an accompanying program for the public, all embedded in the Black Forest landscape of the upper Dreisamtal.

Theme 2026: REFLECTIONS — Jazz as the Common Thread

Each year, the festival focuses on a specific theme. In 2026, the theme is “REFLECTIONS" — and jazz will be the continuous musical common thread. Vocal jazz ensembles, improvisation workshops, and concerts bridging classical vocal music and jazz adaptations will shape the program. The festival has convened an advisory board to guide concept development, with a special focus on inclusion and sustainability.

Program Structure

Over 50 workshops cover the entire spectrum: vocal technique, choir conducting, improvisation, beatboxing, a cappella arrangements, jazz phrasing, body percussion, vocal health, pop/singer-songwriter coaching. High-caliber international instructors teach — applications are submitted before the festival begins, and some workshops are open classes.

The concert series brings international vocal ensembles to Kirchzarten — a cappella stars, jazz vocalists, choirs with top-tier sound, and occasionally solo performances. The Coaching Camp is aimed at aspiring professionals (application required). The Masterclasses bring experienced educators together with festival participants. Sound of Kirchzarten is the free accompanying program for the public — open-air concerts, introductory workshops, and activities throughout the town. Young BFV is the special program for young singers under 25.

Kirchzarten in the Dreisamtal

Kirchzarten is a municipality with nearly 10,000 inhabitants in the Dreisamtal — the connection between Freiburg and the Hochschwarzwald (Feldberg). The municipality serves as the gateway to the southern Black Forest, offering tourist infrastructure, numerous hiking opportunities, and small hotels. The festival venues are spread across the Pfarrhaus, Marienkirche, Talvogtei, Bürgerhaus, Hofgut Sternen, and several other locations — featuring mobile concert days with the Black Forest as a backdrop.