32. International Organ Concerts Erfurt Cathedral

Erfurt Cathedral — Landmark of the State Capital

Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary — located together with the neighboring St. Severus Church on the Domberg — is one of the most important Gothic church buildings in Central Germany and a landmark of the Thuringian state capital Erfurt (independent city, state of Thuringia). Martin Luther was ordained priest here in 1507; here hangs the "Gloriosa" — the largest freely swinging medieval bell in the world (cast in 1497). The Mauracher organ in the cathedral, with over 7,000 pipes, is one of the largest and most sonorous organs in Central Germany.

32 Years of International Organ Concerts

Since 1995, the Cathedral Chapter and Cathedral organist Prof. Silvius von Kessel have invited audiences to the International Organ Concerts every summer. The concert series is one of the most distinguished organ series in Germany and attracts international star organists from Westminster Cathedral, St. Sulpice in Paris, or Notre-Dame to Erfurt. Admission is generally free — a voluntary collection at the exit supports organ maintenance and church music.

2026 Program — Unger, Fox, Johnson, and More

In 2026, the series runs on Saturdays at 7:30 PM from May 30 to August 29. Confirmed soloists: Johannes Unger (Cathedral Kantor Lübeck), William Fox (St Albans Cathedral, England), and Simon Johnson (Westminster Cathedral, London). The musical spectrum ranges from Bach to Buxtehude, Liszt, Reger, to Widor — all major composers of German, French, and English organ literature. On June 18, there will be a master recital by Michael Stemmer across two venues (Cathedral + Cruciskirche).