International Bach Festival Stuttgart
16 Days of Bach in Stuttgart City Centre
About Bachfest Stuttgart
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Sixteen Days, One Composer
For decades, Stuttgart has been a capital for the cultivation of Bach. Hardly any other city has such a prominent academy dedicated to the work of Johann Sebastian Bach as the International Bach Academy Stuttgart, founded in 1981 by Helmuth Rilling. The 2026 Bachfest runs from March 13 to 28 and transforms Stuttgart's city centre into a meticulously composed soundscape for 16 days. The motto "Because We Love Bach!" sets the tone: it's not about musicological obligation, but about a vibrant encounter with a body of work that has lost none of its relevance after 300 years.
Seven Venues, 33 Events
The festival utilizes seven different venues in Stuttgart, each with its own distinct character: The Liederhalle is Stuttgart's grand concert hall with over 2,000 seats — the venue for major productions. The Stiftskirche, a Gothic city church, offers ideal acoustics for Bach's vocal works. The Johanneskirche and Matthäuskirche complement with their church acoustics. The HMDK Stuttgart (Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst) opens its halls for rehearsals and chamber music, while the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) and Staatsgalerie (State Gallery) expand the offerings with lectures, workshops, and accompanying events.
International Stars and Young Talents
The programming combines international stars with young talents. In 2026, guests include the Belgian vocal ensemble Vox Luminis, the Scandinavian ensemble Concerto Copenhagen, and the traditional Windsbacher Knabenchor. However, the focus is on the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble (JSB), which brings together young musicians from over 20 nations and participates in several concerts. The public JSB rehearsals (March 14–19, daily at 10 a.m.) are free to attend and offer an exceptional behind-the-scenes look.
Bach's Mass in B Minor as a Grand Finale
The festival opens on March 13 with the concert "Splendour of Dresden Baroque." The finale on March 28 features one of Bach's greatest works: the Mass in B minor, BWV 232. The festival is patronized by Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann and Stuttgart's Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper — a testament to how central the Bachfest is to the cultural identity of Baden-Württemberg.
Bachfest Stuttgart — edition 2026
The 2026 Bachfest is the 16-day spring edition of the International Bach Academy Stuttgart. From March 13 to 28, 33 events will fill the most important churches and concert halls in Stuttgart's city centre. The motto "Because We Love Bach!" is programmatically elaborated — from the opening with "Splendour of Dresden Baroque" on March 13 to the monumental Mass in B minor on March 28.
The focus is again on the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble (JSB) with young musicians from over 20 nations. International guest ensembles — Vox Luminis from Belgium, Concerto Copenhagen from Scandinavia, the Windsbacher Knabenchor — enrich the program. The patrons are Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann and Mayor Frank Nopper.
Programme Bachfest Stuttgart 2026
Opening — Friday, March 13, 2026
- Opening Concert: "Splendour of Dresden Baroque" — Main concert at the Liederhalle
Saturday, March 14 – Thursday, March 19, 2026 — JSB Rehearsal Phase
- Daily public rehearsals of the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble (JSB) — at 10:00 a.m. at HMDK Stuttgart
- Concert insights and workshops
- Lectures at the Stadtbibliothek and Staatsgalerie
March 13–28, 2026 — Concert Programme
- Vox Luminis (Belgium) — Vocal ensemble, concert with Bach motets
- Concerto Copenhagen — historical performance practice, Danish ensemble
- Windsbacher Knabenchor — Bach's cantatas
- JSB Ensemble — several concerts at Liederhalle and Stiftskirche
- Chamber music evenings at Johanneskirche and Matthäuskirche
- Organ concerts at Stiftskirche
Finale — Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Closing Concert: Bach's Mass in B minor BWV 232 — Liederhalle Stuttgart
The complete programme with all 33 events, soloists, ensembles, and venues will be published on bachakademie.de. Tickets are available through the Bach Academy Stuttgart and its ticket outlets.
Highlights Bachfest Stuttgart 2026
- Opening "Splendour of Dresden Baroque" on March 13
- Vox Luminis (BE), Concerto Copenhagen (DK), Windsbacher Knabenchor
- Daily free JSB rehearsals at HMDK (March 14–19)
- Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble — over 20 nations represented
- Closing concert with the Mass in B minor BWV 232 on March 28
Prices Bachfest Stuttgart 2026
Tickets vary depending on the concert and venue. Main concerts at the Liederhalle from approx. €35, opening and closing concerts typically between €50 and €95, chamber music and church concerts from €20. Discounts for pupils, students, and seniors. JSB rehearsals are free. Tickets via bachakademie.de.
Practical information — Bachfest Stuttgart
Getting There
The venues are spread throughout Stuttgart city centre, around the Liederhalle and Königstraße. Arrive by ICE train to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof, then walk or take the U-Bahn. By car: Take the A8/A81 to the city centre, park in the Liederhalle, Königstraße, or Hauptbahnhof car parks.
Tickets
Tickets are available via bachakademie.de or official ticket outlets. Prices vary depending on the concert and venue (typically from €20 up to over €80 for major Liederhalle productions). Discounts available for pupils and students.
Good to Know
JSB rehearsals (March 14–19, daily at 10 a.m.) are free and open to the public. Programme available in German and English. Overnight accommodation in Stuttgart city centre is recommended, as evening concerts finish late.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Bachfest Stuttgart
Liederhalle, Stiftskirche, Johanneskirche u. a.
Stiftstraße 4-8, 70173 Stuttgart