International Music Days Speyer Cathedral

The International Music Days Speyer Cathedral are one of Germany's most prestigious sacred music festivals. The venue is the spectacular Speyer Imperial Cathedral – with its height of over 60 meters and length of 134 meters, it is the largest preserved Romanesque church building in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. The unique acoustics of the cathedral and its sacred atmosphere make every concert an unparalleled experience.

Guiding Theme 2026: "Creatio" (Creation)

The 2026 edition is themed "Creatio" (Latin for "Creation"). This theme groups the festival's content around the grand topic of the world's creation, divine creative will, and the musical representation of the creation story. This thematic framework connects the diverse concerts into a cohesive narrative.

Opening Concert: Westminster Cathedral Choir London

The opening concert on Saturday, September 19, 2026 will be performed by the Westminster Cathedral Choir London – one of the world's most famous Catholic choirs, founded in 1903 and for over 120 years the musical flagship of Westminster Cathedral, the principal church of the Catholic Church in England. The performance in Speyer Cathedral promises to be a highlight of international sacred music.

Closing Concert: Haydn's "The Creation"

The closing concert on Saturday, October 3, 2026 will feature the work that embodies the guiding theme: Joseph Haydn's oratorio "The Creation" – one of the greatest works of classical sacred music, composed between 1796 and 1798. The performers are the Speyer Cathedral Choirs under the direction of Cathedral Music Director Joachim Weller. The combination of Haydn's masterpiece with the spectacular acoustics of the Imperial Cathedral promises an unforgettable concert experience.

Concerts in the Cathedral and Stadthalle

The festival utilizes not only the Imperial Cathedral as a venue but also the Stadthalle Speyer – a modern event hall suitable for concerts with different acoustic requirements. This combination allows for a diverse program, ranging from large choral works in the cathedral to chamber music in the Stadthalle.

Speyer Cathedral Music and Cathedral Music Director Joachim Weller

The organizer is Dommusik Speyer (Speyer Cathedral Music) with its Cathedral Music Director Joachim Weller, who has shaped the musical profile of Speyer Cathedral for years. Dommusik maintains several choirs – Cathedral Choir, Girls' Choir, Boys' Choir, Vocal Ensemble – and is one of the largest sacred music institutions in Southern Germany.

Speyer as a UNESCO World Heritage City

Speyer, with its approximately 51,000 inhabitants, is one of Germany's oldest cities. The Imperial Cathedral, the Jewish ritual baths (Judenhof), and the historic old town form a unique UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. The festival leverages this cultural depth as a backdrop for one of Europe's most important sacred music festivals.