International Organ Summer at St. Wenzel

St. Wenzel Naumburg — Bach Organ in the Burgenlandkreis

Anyone visiting Naumburg Cathedral should definitely also visit the St. Wenzel town church. High above the market square stands this late Gothic civic church, whose construction dates back to the 14th century — in 2026, it will celebrate its 600th anniversary. What makes it a pilgrimage site for music lovers is the Hildebrandt Organ. Built in 1746 by organ builder Zacharias Hildebrandt, and personally advised and finally approved by Johann Sebastian Bach, it is considered one of the most important surviving Baroque organs in Germany.

The instrument is an acoustic and structural marvel: over 50 stops, three manuals, pedals, and almost entirely original substance. Bach knew the instrument intimately — he conducted the acceptance test here and remained connected to the church throughout his life. The motto of the 2026 International Organ Summer reflects this history: 600 years of St. Wenzel, 280 of them with Bach's voice.

Concerts Every Friday, International Organists

The Organ Summer traditionally runs from early July to late August. Every Friday evening at 7:30 PM, internationally renowned organists give concerts on the Hildebrandt Organ — Bach is often the focus, complemented by Romantic repertoire, the French school, and contemporary pieces. An introductory talk (15 minutes beforehand) provides insight into the program. The series traditionally opens with a special concert (often a boys' choir) on the first Friday and concludes with a 'French Virtuosos' program on the last Friday in August.

Bach's Best — The City Leverages Its Heritage

Naumburg consistently markets its connection to Bach. Travel packages like 'Bach's Best' combine organ concerts with cathedral tours and overnight stays in the old town. Masterclasses, where young organists from around the world work on the Hildebrandt Organ, also take place in the summer. Those who combine the concert with a World Heritage Day (Naumburg Cathedral) experience enjoy one of the most concentrated cultural offerings in Saxony-Anhalt.

Burgenlandkreis and Saale-Unstrut

Naumburg is located in the Burgenlandkreis district, at the beginning of the Saale-Unstrut wine region. Those who combine the Organ Summer with wine can stop by one of the 'Wengen' after the concert — the historic 'Steigerbürgerhäuser' (houses of the mining guild citizens) where wine was produced for centuries, now often house restaurants and small wineries.