MDR-Musiksommer im Kloster Michaelstein
35th MDR-Musiksommer 2026 «The Forest as a Stage» — Tsurina Quartet in the Refectory
About MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein
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35th MDR-Musiksommer 2026
The MDR-Musiksommer is one of the oldest and most renowned classical festivals in Central Germany. Founded in 1992 by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, it annually combines concerts in special venues in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia with the sound culture of the three MDR ensembles (MDR Symphony Orchestra, MDR Radio Choir, MDR Children's Choir). The 35th edition in 2026 carries the motto «The Forest as a Stage», runs from August 7th to September 5th, 2026, and distributes 25 concerts across the three federal states.
Michaelstein Monastery, Blankenburg (Harz)
Michaelstein Monastery in Blankenburg is one of the venues for the Musiksommer for the first time in 2026. Founded in 1146 as a Cistercian monastery, the complex is now home to the renowned Music Academy of Saxony-Anhalt and is one of the most impressive historical monastery complexes in Northern Germany. In the Refectory – the former monks' dining hall with its special acoustics – the Tsurina Quartet will perform on August 8th, 2026. Located in the Harz district, on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, the concert ideally fits the festival motto: monastery garden, forest, ancient walls, and string quartet music combine to create a sensory experience that equally merges concert and nature.
Tickets Including Attractions
As always with the MDR-Musiksommer, concert tickets include admission to regional attractions. Visitors to a concert in Blankenburg can discover Michaelstein Monastery and other tourist highlights of the Harz region. This is part of the conscious concept: not just listening to music, but experiencing a landscape.
In the Harz District
Blankenburg is located in the Harz district in Saxony-Anhalt, on the northeastern edge of the Harz Mountains. The town combines Blankenburg Castle, Romanesque monastery architecture, dense forests, hiking traditions, and a remarkable musical heritage. With the MDR-Musiksommer concert in 2026, Blankenburg joins the ranks of festival locations for this most important Central German classical festival.
MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein — edition 2026
The string quartet concert in the Refectory of Michaelstein Monastery is one of the first concerts of the MDR-Musiksommer 2026 – the festival begins on August 7th in Ilmenau with the MDR Symphony Orchestra under Dennis Russell Davies (Beethoven «Pastoral», Wagner «Waldweben»). The very next day, the Tsurina Quartet performs in the Refectory of Michaelstein, with a program inspired by the festival motto «The Forest as a Stage».
The Refectory is one of the monastery's most outstanding rooms in terms of acoustics and atmosphere: high vaults, centuries-old stone walls, daylight from the monastery garden windows. This is an ideal venue for a string quartet – intimate, acoustically clear, with a historically significant aura.
Programme MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — Tsurina Quartet
- Concert in the Refectory of Michaelstein Monastery
- String quartet program in the spirit of the festival motto «The Forest as a Stage»
- Works from the Tsurina Quartet's repertoire (detailed program available at mdr-musiksommer.de)
Context: 35th MDR-Musiksommer 2026
- August 7, 2026 — Festival opening in Ilmenau with the MDR Symphony Orchestra under Dennis Russell Davies (Beethoven «Pastoral», Wagner «Waldweben»)
- September 5, 2026 — Festival closing in Suhl in honor of Carl Maria von Weber's 200th death anniversary
- New venues 2026: Bad Düben, Blankenburg, Benneckenstein (Waldbühne debut)
- Guest soloists include: Alena Baeva (violin), Emma Smith (jazz vocals), Tamara Stefanovich (piano)
Current detailed programs for each of the 25 MDR-Musiksommer 2026 concerts can be found at mdr-musiksommer.de.
Highlights MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein 2026
Prices MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein 2026
Practical information — MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein
Getting There
By train to Blankenburg (Harz) station, then a short journey to Michaelstein (approx. 3 km). By car via the B81 / B27 to Blankenburg.
Concert Start & Venue
Concert on August 8th, 2026, likely in the afternoon, in the Refectory of Michaelstein Monastery. Limited seating – early booking recommended.
Tickets
Advance sales are ongoing. Concert tickets via mdr-musiksommer.de or adticket.de. From approx. €20 (depending on the concert). Tickets include admission to selected regional attractions.
On Site
Michaelstein Monastery features a historic monastery garden, a monastery café, and the museum of the Music Academy of Saxony-Anhalt. An ideal pre- or post-concert activity.
Families
Classical concert more for interested adults. Children and teenagers are welcome.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place MDR-Musiksommer Michaelstein
Kloster Michaelstein, Refektorium
Michaelstein 3, OT Michaelstein, 38889 Blankenburg (Harz)