Musikfest Bremen

Three Weeks of Classical Music in the Northwest

As high summer gives way to late summer, Bremen begins its most important classical season of the year. For three weeks, the Musikfest Bremen takes over the Hanseatic city as well as other venues in Bremerhaven, Cloppenburg, Cuxhaven, Ganderkesee, Grasberg, Oldenburg, Papenburg, Verden, and Worpswede. Over 40 concerts span the spectrum from the Renaissance to the present day, uniting period performance, symphonic tradition, and experimental crossover projects.

'Eine große Nachtmusik' as the Kick-off

The festive centerpiece is 'Eine große Nachtmusik', which traditionally opens the festival. More than a dozen concerts begin simultaneously on the same evening at various historic locations in Bremen – from the Market Square and the Glocke to St. Petri Cathedral. International period instrument orchestras, choirs, and soloists perform concurrently, allowing the audience to wander from concert to concert throughout the night.

Stars and Young Talents

Every year, the stages of the Musikfest feature the biggest names in the international classical scene alongside top-tier newcomers. Period instrument ensembles such as Les Musiciens du Louvre, the Freiburger Barockorchester, and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir are regular guests, as are stars like Rolando Villazón, Sir Simon Rattle, Kurt Elling, and Jakub Jozef Orlinski. The Quatuor Ébène has presented complete Beethoven cycles in recent years.

Arp Schnitger Festival and Musikfest Ateliers

Embedded within the Musikfest is the Arp Schnitger Festival, which brings the historic organs of the North German organ builder Arp Schnitger to life in the Northwest. Additionally, there are the Musikfest Ateliers, international academy projects for young musicians who work with established artists in open rehearsal sessions.

A Tradition Since 1989

Founded in 1989, Musikfest Bremen has developed into one of the most important classical music festivals in Central Europe. The city's Hanseatic history – with its grand churches, the Town Hall, and its rich civic engagement in music – provides an ideal setting for a festival that combines tradition and innovation. The organizer is Musikfest Bremen GmbH.