Bosau Summer Concerts

A Concert Series with Tradition

For more than four decades, the Bosau Summer Concerts have been a cultural hallmark of Holstein Switzerland. The series has been shaped by organist and artistic director Sergej Tcherepanov, who invites soloists, ensembles, and chamber orchestras from all over Europe to Bosau every summer. The opening traditionally takes place on the Saturday before Pentecost, and the closing on the Harvest Festival in early October.

The Vicelin Church — A Unique Concert Space

St. Peter's Church, popularly known as the Vicelin Church, was built in 1151/1152 by Bishop Vicelin — as one of his numerous fieldstone churches from the missionary phase of Holstein and Wagria. From 1150 to 1156, Bosau was briefly the seat of the Diocese of Oldenburg under Bishops Vicelin and Gerold. This makes St. Peter's Church a former episcopal church — the smallest in the world, which is why it is affectionately called the 'world's smallest cathedral'.

Program and Style

The series features a wide spectrum: Baroque music (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi), classical chamber music, romantic vocal works, and occasional modern arrangements. The focus is on organ and harpsichord music (the church has two historical organs, two harpsichords, and a harmonium), as well as string and vocal ensembles. Admission: 20 Euros per concert.

A Place, An Atmosphere

Bosau is located directly on the Plöner See, in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park and the Ostholstein district. The church stands on a peninsula, surrounded by water, with a view of the lake and the rolling hills of the terminal moraine landscape. Those who experience a concert evening in July or August will see the sunset over the water, hear the swallows chirping over the churchyard after the concert, and can round off the evening with a walk along the lake shore.