IMUKO – Summer Serenade Koblenz Courtyard

The International Music Festival Koblenz (IMUKO) is one of the defining classical concert series on the Middle Rhine. Founded by cellist Benedict Kloeckner, who also serves as the festival's artistic director, IMUKO has become a platform for renowned international soloists and promising young musicians. The program includes concerts between March and December at various venues in and around Koblenz – from the Alte Kirche Spay and the Museum Ludwig to castles and galleries.

Summer in the Old Town

The Summer Serenade in the Courtyard utilizes one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Koblenz's old town: a tranquil inner courtyard with plantings and boundary walls, creating an intimate open-air atmosphere in summer weather. The concert begins at 9 PM, as the day's heat subsides and twilight begins – a deliberately chosen time that underscores the character of a classical serenade.

Clémence de Forceville and Benedict Kloeckner

On stage are two renowned musicians: Clémence de Forceville, a young French violinist with prizes from competitions such as the Long-Thibaud Competition, and Benedict Kloeckner, the artistic director of IMUKO, one of the most distinguished cellists of his generation, an Echo Klassik award winner, and a soloist with numerous top orchestras. Their duo program features works for violin and cello from the classical and romantic repertoire.

Concert with Free Admission

A special feature of this Summer Serenade is the free admission. IMUKO thus opens the festival to a broad audience that may not yet have classical concert experience. Those who wish to attend should arrive early, as seating in the courtyard is limited. Donations towards the festival's work are welcome.

Festival Program 2026

The Summer Serenade is part of the IMUKO 2026 program, which comprises more than a dozen concerts in total. Highlights of the season include the opening concert on March 1st at the Alte Kirche Spay with the six Bach Cello Suites performed by Benedict Kloeckner, a Liszt-Chopin evening with Hungarian pianist János Balázs on July 5th, and numerous chamber music evenings featuring works by Brahms, Dvořák, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich.