Kammermusiktage Mettlach

Classical Music by the Saarschleife

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.

Schloss Ziegelberg as a Temporary Venue in 2026

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.

Three Weekends, Seven Concerts

The 2026 festival is spread across three June weekends:

• Weekend 1 (June 5–7): Opening with the Ardemus Quartet (Saxophone)
• Weekend 2 (June 12–14): Soirées with Omar Massa (Bandoneon) and Eva Zalenga (Soprano)
• Weekend 3 (June 19–21): Bernd Glemser (Piano), Barbican Quartet, Rivinius KlavierQUARTETT

International Artists in Saarland Intimacy

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.

Soirées, Matinées, and Apéritifs

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.

Funding and Media Presence

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.