A traditional festival for classical music connoisseurs by the Saarschleife — since 1986
Mettlach, in the Merzig-Wadern district, is known to many as the headquarters of the ceramic manufacturer Villeroy & Boch and as the gateway to the Saarschleife (Saar River bend). Less widely known, but highly esteemed in the classical music world, is Mettlach's status as a chamber music festival city. Since 1986, Musik und Theater Saar GmbH has organized the Kammermusiktage here — a festival that is broadcast internationally by Saarländischer Rundfunk via the European Broadcasting Union.
The traditional venue is the Alte Abtei (Old Abbey) Mettlach, a Baroque ensemble owned by Villeroy & Boch. Due to extensive renovation work, the festival will exceptionally move to Schloss Ziegelberg in 2026 — a small but atmospheric complex about 700 meters north of the Abbey, high above the Saar Valley with a sweeping view of the Saarschleife. The capacity is intimate, fitting for chamber music.
The 2026 festival is spread across three June weekends:
What distinguishes the Mettlacher Kammermusiktage is the combination of international class and geographical intimacy. The Ardemus Quartet is one of the outstanding saxophone quartets worldwide, Bernd Glemser a renowned German pianist, Omar Massa an Argentinian bandoneon player in the tradition of Astor Piazzolla, and Eva Zalenga a German soprano with an international concert calendar.
The concerts are scheduled as Soirées (evening), Matinées (Sunday morning), or afternoon formats. Admission tickets include a glass of sparkling wine before the concert and during the intermission — a tradition that emphasizes the festival's character as a meeting place for connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The foyer atmosphere before concerts is part of the festival experience.
The festival is funded by the Saarland Ministry of Education and Culture, supported by the main sponsor Villeroy & Boch, SR Kultur, and other partners. Selected concerts are recorded by Saarländischer Rundfunk and broadcast internationally via the European Broadcasting Union — an honor that makes the festival known far beyond the region.
Musik und Theater Saar GmbH confirms the Kammermusiktage 2026 for the three June weekends. Due to ongoing renovations at the Alte Abtei Mettlach, the entire 2026 festival will be relocated to Schloss Ziegelberg — an intimate, smaller venue about 700 meters north of the Abbey, high above the Saar Valley.
The program features internationally renowned artists. The Ardemus Quartet (saxophone quartet from the Netherlands) opens the festival on June 5th, and Bernd Glemser (piano) closes it on June 21st. In between, Omar Massa, Eva Zalenga, the Barbican Quartet, and the Rivinius KlavierQUARTETT will perform.
Detailed program and work list available on musik-theater.de and kammermusiktage-mettlach.ticket.io from January 2026.
Single ticket €35 (reduced €28), premium seating categories up to €50. Subscription for all seven concerts available with a discount. Sparkling wine included in admission.
Mettlach is located in the Merzig-Wadern district, about 55 km northwest of Saarbrücken. By car via the A8 (Merzig exit), then L173 to Mettlach. By public transport from Saarbrücken Hbf with RB 71 (approx. 45 min.). Schloss Ziegelberg is a 10-minute walk from Mettlach town center — uphill, sturdy footwear recommended.
Single tickets €35 (reduced €28), subscriptions on request. Online via kammermusiktage-mettlach.ticket.io. Included in admission: a glass of sparkling wine before and during the concert intermission.
Hotels in Mettlach itself (Villeroy & Boch Hotel), in Merzig, and at the Saarschleife (Hotel Cloef). A stay at Schloss Saareck (Villeroy & Boch) is also charming.
Combine your concert visit with a hike to the Saarschleife (4 km, fantastic view from the Cloef rock).
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Schloss Ziegelberg (Übergangsspielstätte 2026 wegen Sanierung der Alten Abtei)
Schloss Ziegelberg, 66693 Mettlach