Cantate Domino — Cathedral Concerts Speyer Cathedral

Cantate Domino — Cathedral Music Concert Series

The concert series “Cantate Domino” is one of the central concert series of the Speyer Cathedral Music. Unlike the International Organ Cycle, which focuses on organ concerts, Cantate Domino encompasses various formats — choral and orchestral concerts, Cathedral Vespers, special concerts for High Holy Days, and solo recitals. The title — “Sing to the Lord” — refers to the biblical Psalms and emphasizes the spiritual context.

Year-Round Concert Programme

Cantate Domino runs throughout the year. Unlike thematically focused series, the concerts are spread across the entire year — with focal points on the High Holy Days and the traditional concert season (autumn and pre-Christmas). The dates for 2026 have been partially published; the complete annual programme will be updated on the Cathedral Music website.

Cathedral Vespers as Shorter Liturgical Concerts

One format within the series is Cathedral Vespers — shorter evening concert liturgies that combine the Divine Office (Vespers) with musical interludes. They typically last an hour, are free of charge (donations welcome), and attract both concert audiences and worshippers. This combination of liturgy and concert is characteristic of the Cathedral Music's work.

High Holy Days with Grand Orchestra

Grand choral and orchestral concerts take place on High Holy Days — Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Ascension Day, All Saints' Day. These can include major works from the sacred music repertoire: Bach Passions, Handel Oratorios, Mozart's Requiem, Romantic Masses. The Speyer Cathedral Choirs (Girls' Choir, Boys' Choir, Cathedral Choir) participate, and depending on the work, external soloists and orchestras may also be involved.

Speyer Cathedral as an Acoustic Space

Speyer Cathedral is the largest preserved Romanesque building in the world — a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. Its nave offers acoustics with long reverberation times, which particularly benefits sacred music. The high Romanesque architecture, the groin vaults, and the Royal Gallery create a space where choral and organ sound can unfold their full potential. Concerts in the Cathedral are not only acoustic but also visual and spiritual experiences.