Classic Open Air Altenburg
Two-day open-air concert on Altenburg's market square — Farewell to Kapellmeister Thomas Wicklein
About Classic Open Air
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Classical Music Under the Open Sky on the Main Market Square
Altenburg's main market square is one of the most beautiful Renaissance-style public squares in Central Germany. The 16th-century Town Hall, the historic burgher houses, and St. Mary's Church in the background create an extraordinary concert setting. The Classic Open Air consistently utilizes this architecture: the stage is set up centrally, audience seating fills the square, offering views of the illuminated Town Hall. During the summer months, when the days are longest, concerts begin at 8:30 PM — as the sun sets behind the Renaissance gables and artificial light bathes the architecture in a golden glow.
Soloists, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Choirs
The program showcases the full spectrum of the Altenburg Gera Theater: Soloists from the in-house opera ensemble perform arias by Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Lehár, and Mozart. The Philharmonic Orchestra (around 60 musicians) forms the musical backbone. The Opera Choir provides the grand choral numbers — the Triumphal March from 'Aida', the Brindisi from 'La Traviata', the Pilgrim's Chorus from 'Tannhäuser'. Additionally, the Children's and Youth Choir is featured, particularly in the musical highlights — 'Cats', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Les Misérables'. The mix is intelligently curated: opera, operetta, and musical alternate, appealing to a broad audience.
2026 — Farewell to Thomas Wicklein
The Classic Open Air 2026 is under a special banner: it is the farewell event for Thomas Wicklein, who has served as Kapellmeister at the Altenburg Gera Theater since 1989 — over 37 years. Wicklein has significantly shaped the musical profile of the stage. In 2020, he received the Cultural Prize of the City of Altenburg for his decades of service to the regional music scene. The 2026 program, themed 'A Life for Music', reflects Wicklein's career: works that were particularly significant to him — Wagner, Lehár, Puccini, Verdi. It also includes musical theater highlights that he first brought to Altenburg.
Altenburg — The Skat City in Eastern Thuringia
Altenburg is located in the Altenburger Land district in the state of Thuringia, on the border with Saxony. With around 31,000 inhabitants, the city is the economic and cultural center of the Altenburger Land. Known as the birthplace of the card game Skat (1813), it today houses the German Skat Museum, the Lindenau Museum (Italian panel painting), and the Residential Palace. The Altenburg Gera Theater, one of Germany's oldest multi-genre theaters (founded in 1871), has merged with the Gera Theater and operates two venues — both are served by the Classic Open Air. The festival has been one of the summer highlights of Altenburg's cultural calendar since the 1990s.
Classic Open Air — edition 2026
Farewell Concert on the Market Square
For two evenings in June 2026, the Altenburg Gera Theater transforms the historic market square into an open-air concert hall. The program, themed 'A Life for Music', serves as a farewell homage to Kapellmeister Thomas Wicklein. Featuring works by Verdi, Wagner, Lehár, Puccini, and musical theater highlights.
Programme Classic Open Air 2026
Program Highlights 2026 — Classic Open Air Altenburg with Thomas Wicklein
- Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 — Concert starts at 8:30 PM: Admission from 7:00 PM; concert duration approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including intermission.
- Motto: 'A Life for Music' — Farewell homage to Kapellmeister Thomas Wicklein.
- First Part — Opera: Triumphal March and arias from Verdi's 'Aida'; Brindisi from 'La Traviata'; Anvil Chorus from 'Il Trovatore'; Pilgrim's Chorus from Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'; Arias from Puccini's 'Tosca' and 'Madame Butterfly'.
- Second Part — Operetta and Musical: Lehár's 'The Merry Widow' — Vilja Song and Waltz; Strauss Waltzes; Songs from 'Cats', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Les Misérables'; Film music from 'West Side Story'.
- Performers: Soloists from the Altenburg Gera Theater opera ensemble; Philharmonic Orchestra (~60 musicians); Opera Choir; Children's and Youth Choir of the Altenburg Gera Theater; Conductor: Thomas Wicklein.
- Special Feature: Special greetings and tribute to Wicklein on the second evening; encores with selected Wicklein favorites; bar service during intermission.
The exact program with soloist names and precise order will be published in spring 2026 on theater-altenburg-gera.de.
Highlights Classic Open Air 2026
- Farewell concert for Kapellmeister Thomas Wicklein after 37 years
- Soloists, Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Choir, and Children's/Youth Choir
- Works from opera (Verdi, Wagner, Puccini), operetta (Lehár, Strauss), and musical
- Historic Renaissance market backdrop of Altenburg
- Two evenings, same program — two chances to experience it
Prices Classic Open Air 2026
Tickets available from the theater box office (03447 585 160), online at theater-altenburg-gera.de, and at the Altenburg Tourist Information. Prices typically range from €30–€55 depending on the category (seated on numbered benches, standing room on the tiers).
Practical information — Classic Open Air
Date 2026
Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, 2026. Admission from 7:00 PM each day, concert start at 8:30 PM. Concert duration approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including intermission.
Location
Marktplatz Altenburg, Markt 1, 04600 Altenburg.
Getting There
By Train: Altenburg station on the Mitteldeutsche Regiobahn (Leipzig–Hof / Chemnitz–Leipzig), about a 15-minute walk to the market square from the station. By Car: A4 exit Schmölln, then federal road to Altenburg. Parking available at Topf- und Kornmarkt, in the Roßplan garage, and at Kleiner Teich.
Admission
Tickets available from the theater box office (03447 585 160), online at theater-altenburg-gera.de, and at the Tourist Information. Prices typically range from €30–€55 depending on the category.
Tip
Bring a seat cushion or blanket (benches are available on site; fabric cushions enhance concert enjoyment). In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Altenburg Theater — tickets remain valid. Plan restaurant reservations on the market square well in advance. Combine the evening with a daytime visit to the Lindenau Museum or the Skat Museum.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Classic Open Air al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Classic Open Air
Marktplatz Altenburg
Markt 1, 04600 Altenburg