Kurt Weill Fest Dessau

Dessau and Kurt Weill — A City Celebrates Its Composer

Kurt Weill, born in Dessau in 1900, is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. The Threepenny Opera, Mahagonny, Lady in the Dark, September Song — Weill's work spans opera, cabaret, Broadway, and jazz, shaping entire generations. Since 1993, his birthplace, Dessau-Roßlau, has celebrated him with an international music festival that has long been one of the most important classical and jazz festivals in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The Kurt Weill Fest 2026 is the 34th edition and is themed "In Motion". With 74 events and over 600 participating artists across 21 venues, it is the largest music festival in Saxony-Anhalt. The artistic concept: unusual, non-typical combinations that enable unique sonic experiences.

Venues Across the City

The unusual performance locations are a characteristic feature. Classical venues such as the Anhaltisches Theater, the Bauhaus building, the Marienkirche, or Schloss Wörlitz are complemented by locations like the DB railway workshop, where electronic artist SCHILLER performed, or the Hugo Junkers Hall. Each location transforms the music — Weill would have appreciated that, as his own work thrives on the fusion of tradition and avant-garde.

Artistic Breadth

The programming balances classical music, jazz, music theatre, and performance. Past editions have brought Nils Landgren, Ute Lemper, Hannes Vonmetz, Katharina Thalbach, Ben Becker, the Sebastian Weber Dance Company ensemble, and the Flying Steps to Dessau-Roßlau. The Anhaltische Philharmonie is also a regular participant and will open the 2026 festival. The Kurt Weill Fest is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Region Anhalt-Dessau-Wittenberg and musically complements the Bauhaus anniversary 2025/2026.