Hohenbusch KlassiXX — Carmina Burana Open Air

700 Years of Erkelenz — The Historical Occasion

In 2026, the city of Erkelenz in the Heinsberg district (North Rhine-Westphalia) celebrates its 700th city anniversary — a significant historical milestone that is being celebrated with a year-round festival program. One of the musical highlights is the production of Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' as a grand open-air experience at Haus Hohenbusch. Stadt-Kultur GmbH is coordinating the project — an ambitious production that underscores the city's musical identity.

'Carmina Burana' — One of the Most Popular Classical Works

Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' (1937) is among the most frequently performed classical works of the 20th century — a setting of medieval poetry from the Benediktbeuern manuscript, with powerful choruses ('O Fortuna!'), shifting drama, and unmistakable rhythmic force. A work that requires a professional choir, professional orchestra, and professional soloists — and is popular enough to captivate even a non-specialist audience. Ideal repertoire for a grand open-air festival.

The Performers — 170+ Singers

The Erkelenz production is unusually large-scale:

• Erkelenzer Festival Choir — a large choir of over 170 singers from Erkelenz and the region, assembled specifically for this anniversary project. A cross-generational, community-driven production that makes the region's commitment to the city anniversary visible.
• Philharmonia Frankfurt/Main — a professional orchestra that realizes Orff's grand soundscape.
• ERKA Ensemble — provides 'small, scenic moments' that enhance the emotional impact — a theatrical component that elevates the production beyond a standard choral concert.
• Professional soloists for the tenor, baritone, and soprano parts (Carmina Burana has three central solo roles).

Haus Hohenbusch — The Festival Venue

The venue is Haus Hohenbusch on Hohenbuscher Straße in Erkelenz — a historic estate in a scenic location, serving as a visual and architectural backdrop for the open-air festival. The acoustic and logistical requirements are professionally enhanced for the two festival days through stage technology, sound system, and lighting.

Two Performances — August 28 and 29, 2026

The concert will be performed twice — on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026, both starting at 8 PM. This double performance doubles the capacity, allowing audiences from Erkelenz, the Heinsberg district, Mönchengladbach, and even Aachen or Cologne to experience the festival.

Location and Travel

Erkelenz is located in the Heinsberg district (North Rhine-Westphalia) — about 25 kilometers northwest of Mönchengladbach, on the A 46/A 61 motorways. By train: Erkelenz main station is served by RE 13 (Maasland line Düsseldorf-Venlo) and RB 33. From the station to Haus Hohenbusch: bus or taxi. By car: A 46 exit Erkelenz-Süd or A 61 exit Mönchengladbach-Hardt. Parking is organized at the Hohenbusch festival grounds.