Irsee Organ Vespers

A Baroque Organ as a Jewel of Sound

The Irsee Organ Vespers are one of the oldest and most traditional concert series for historical organ music in Bavarian Swabia. The heart of the series is the facade organ, created in 1754 by organ builder Balthasar Freiwiß, in the former monastery church of St. Peter and Paul. Today, it is one of the few almost completely original preserved baroque organs in Swabia and gives the vespers their unmistakable historical sound.

History and Patrons

Since 1993, the Schwabenakademie Irsee has organized the concerts on this extraordinary historical instrument in conjunction with the Catholic parish of Irsee. The series is supported by the district of Swabia and has developed over the decades into a firm fixture of cultural life in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria.

Artistic Direction

The artistic direction lies with the experienced Augsburg organist Roland Götz, who traditionally also designs the opening concert. Renowned organists from Germany and abroad, such as from Basel, Burghausen, or the Allgäu, are guests year after year.

Format and Atmosphere

On five weekends between April and October, the vespers take place on Sundays at 5 p.m. or Saturdays at 9 p.m. The late concerts are held by candlelight, creating a particularly meditative and festive atmosphere in the baroque church space. The programs span a wide range from the Renaissance through South German and North German Baroque to thematically designed sequences of works.

An Attraction for Enthusiasts

• Original preserved Freiwiß organ from 1754
• Five vespers per season from April to October
• Free admission, donations for the preservation of the organ welcome
• Candlelight vespers on Saturday evenings

The Irsee Organ Vespers combine high-quality organ art with the special aura of a baroque monastery ensemble and are highly valued far beyond the Ostallgäu region.