Concerts in St. Nicholas' Church Rostock

A Gothic Building as a Concert Hall

St. Nicholas' Church Rostock is one of the oldest hall churches in the entire Baltic Sea region. Construction began around 1230, and the first documentary mention dates back to 1257. Over the centuries, it was the parish church for Rostock's sailors and merchants; today, it sees itself as a supra-parish spiritual and cultural centre for the city. Its spacious architecture and acoustics make it a sought-after concert venue.

A Concert Year at St. Nicholas' Church

Concerts of various styles take place in St. Nicholas' Church throughout the year. The 'Grand Johann Strauss Revue' in February kicks off 2026. In early summer, sacred and classical programmes follow: the St. Johannis Choir interprets works by Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart, and The King's Singers will perform in the church as part of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival.

Vocal Ensembles and Choral Music

Vocal music is a focus of the programme. In addition to The King's Singers, The Queen's Six from Windsor Castle will perform, the Rostock Free Student Orchestra will play film music from Nino Rota to Hans Zimmer, and Klezmer legend Giora Feidman will bring his unmistakable clarinet sound into the church space. In November, Brahms' 'A German Requiem', one of the most important choral works of the Romantic era, is on the programme.

From Pop to Irish Folk

The concert series is not limited to classical music. In autumn, Kathy Kelly from The Kelly Family and opera winner Paul Potts will perform with their programme 'Paul Potts & Friends'. The Irish Folk Festival will bring Celtic sounds to the Hanseatic city in November. Thus, St. Nicholas' Church spans a wide musical spectrum throughout the year.

Culture in the Heart of Rostock

St. Nicholas' Church is located in the Östliche Altstadt (Eastern Old Town) of Rostock, the largest city in the Rostock district and the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Those who attend a concert in the historic church experience music in a space that has shaped the spiritual and cultural life of the Hanseatic city for almost eight centuries.