Hilchenbach Music Festival 2026

Hilchenbach — A Musical Town in Siegerland

Hilchenbach, a town of around 14,000 inhabitants in the South Westphalian Siegerland (Siegen-Wittgenstein district), lies picturesquely in the Ferndorf valley — framed by the forests of the Rothaargebirge. Despite its manageable size, Hilchenbach has a remarkable musical tradition closely linked to the famous Busch family: Fritz Busch (conductor), Adolf Busch (violinist), Hermann Busch (cellist), and Willi Busch (actor) — all born in Hilchenbach or closely associated with the town, all prominent figures in the German cultural scene of the early 20th century, all fled into exile before the National Socialists.

The Gebrüder-Busch-Kreis — The Organizer

To commemorate the Busch brothers and promote Hilchenbach's music and theater scene, the Gebrüder-Busch-Kreis (gbk) was founded. Today, the association organizes a year-round cultural program with concerts, theater evenings, cabaret, and readings — including highlights such as the concert with capella cantabilis (June 14, 2026, €10–€20), the performance by Denise Schindler (September 25, 2026, €19), or Karneval des Glücks (October 9, 2026, €20). Members receive discounts, and students and severely disabled persons receive additional concessions. Telephone ticket service: 02733/53350 or 02733/288-226.

The Music Festival on the Marktplatz

The highlight of the association's year is the Hilchenbach Music Festival on the Marktplatz, which takes place annually on the third weekend in June. In 2026, this falls on Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. The open-air program spans three days and combines various musical styles:

Concerts for Children with the Blindfischen

Traditionally, it begins with a children's concert by the Blindfischen — the well-known German children's song band that has delighted families from all over Germany for years with their lovingly witty songs. A format that transforms the Marktplatz Hilchenbach into a family open-air stage for a few hours.

School Bands and Music School

Following this, school bands from Hilchenbach schools and ensembles from the Siegerland Music School showcase their talents — pop, rock, jazz, classical chamber music, all with youthful energy and a wide stylistic range.

Philharmonie Südwestfalen

A traditional highlight is the concert by the Philharmonie Südwestfalen — one of North Rhine-Westphalia's renowned symphony orchestras, which regularly collaborates with Hilchenbach partners. On the Marktplatz, the orchestra performs an open-air program of classical music and popular classical crossover pieces.

Choirs and Orchestras from the Region

The framework is provided by local choirs and orchestras: men's and women's choirs, church choirs, brass choirs, town orchestras from Hilchenbach and the surrounding communities — the diversity of Siegerland's community music compressed onto one stage.

Donations Instead of Admission

The Hilchenbach Music Festival operates on a donation principle: free admission, but those who have money contribute to the collection plate passed around between concerts. The donations finance the artists' fees, stage technology, and the gbk's association work. An honest Westphalian solution that invites everyone to come — and allows everyone who can to contribute a little to the financing.

Getting There and Practical Information

Hilchenbach is located about 20 km north of Siegen, in the upper Ferndorf valley. Public transport: Hilchenbach train station (Rothaarbahn RB 93 from Siegen), from there a 10-minute walk to the Marktplatz. Car: A 45 exit Siegen, then B 508 to Hilchenbach. Parking around the Marktplatz and on the outskirts of town.