Heinrich Schütz Music Festival

Heinrich Schütz, Weißenfels, and the Festival

Heinrich Schütz (1585–1672) was one of Central Germany's most significant composers — Kapellmeister at the Dresden court, born in Bad Köstritz, Thuringia, and lifelong associated with Weißenfels in Saxony-Anhalt. He spent his most productive years in Weißenfels, where the Schütz House stands and where he is buried. The music festival named after him, founded in 1997, now unites five venues in three federal states: Weißenfels and Zeitz in the Burgenlandkreis district (Saxony-Anhalt), Bad Köstritz and Gera (Thuringia), and Dresden (Saxony).

The 29th edition in 2026 runs from October 2nd to 11th under the motto 'Spurensuche. Anstoß und Aufbruch'. Four thematic focuses highlight Schütz as a teacher, his rediscovery in the 19th and 20th centuries, his international influence, and his inspiration for contemporary artists. The Artist in Residence is the young Ensemble The Present, which places old vocal forms in a contemporary context with fine artistic interpretation.

Schütz House Closed — Festival Still Takes Place

Important Note: The Schütz House in Weißenfels will be closed from April 2026 for three years due to extensive renovation. Concerts will move to alternative venues within the city — concerts in the Stadtkirche St. Marien, the Schlosskirche, and in the capital of the Reformation, Zeitz, will form the focus. The musical substance remains unchanged high.