Musikfest Bremen
International Festival of Classical Music in the Bremen Summer
About Musikfest Bremen
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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.
Musikfest Bremen — edition 2026
The 37th Musikfest Bremen, from August 15 to September 4, 2026, presents over 45 concerts in Bremen, Bremerhaven, and other venues in the Northwest – from Renaissance to contemporary music. The festival opens with the traditional 'Eine große Nachtmusik' on the illuminated Bremen Market Square. Ticket sales start April 15, 2026, early bird discount until May 10, 2026.
Programme Musikfest Bremen 2026
The 37th Musikfest Bremen runs from August 15 to September 4, 2026, with over 45 concerts in Bremen, Bremerhaven, and other venues in the Northwest – from Renaissance and Baroque music to Classical, Jazz, and contemporary music. Advance sales start April 15, 2026, early bird discount until May 10, 2026; ticket hotline 0421/33 66 99.
Saturday, August 15 – 'Eine große Nachtmusik' (Opening)
The Bremen Market Square, with the UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall and Roland statue, provides an atmospheric setting for the festival's kick-off with 18 concerts at 9 venues in three time slots. Confirmed companies and ensembles (selection):
- hr-Sinfonieorchester (Frankfurt) & Alain Altinoglu with pianist Fazil Say
- Ensemble Matheus & Jean-Christophe Spinosi
- Ensembles from the Boston Early Music Festival
- Roberto Fonseca Group
Beethoven Cycle: Quatuor Ébène
The renowned French Quatuor Ébène will perform Ludwig van Beethoven's complete 16 string quartets over six evenings.
Arp Schnitger Festival (August 18–23)
A six-day special program focusing on the historic organs of organ builder Arp Schnitger at original sites in the Northwest.
Further Highlights
- Rolando Villazón with L'Arpeggiata
- Sir Simon Rattle & Freiburger Barockorchester
- Kurt Elling & hr-Bigband
- Jakub Jozef Orlinski & Il Pomo d'Oro
- Anna Lapwood (Organ)
- Richard Galliano's New Viaggio Trio
Musikfest Ateliers
Two international academy projects for young musicians collaborating with the festival's stars.
The complete program with all concerts, venues, and times is available at musikfest-bremen.de.
Highlights Musikfest Bremen 2026
- Opening August 15: 'Eine große Nachtmusik' with 18 concerts at 9 venues – Frankfurt Radio Symphony & Fazil Say, Ensemble Matheus, Boston Early Music Festival, Roberto Fonseca
- Beethoven Cycle with the Quatuor Ébène: all 16 string quartets over six evenings
- Sir Simon Rattle & Freiburger Barockorchester
- Rolando Villazón with L'Arpeggiata, Kurt Elling & hr-Bigband, Jakub Jozef Orlinski with Il Pomo d'Oro, Anna Lapwood, Richard Galliano
- Arp Schnitger Festival (August 18–23) at historic organs in the Northwest
Prices Musikfest Bremen 2026
Prices vary depending on the concert and seating category. Advance sales start April 15, 2026, early bird discount until May 10, 2026. Ticket hotline: 0421/33 66 99. Tickets online at musikfest-bremen.de.
Practical information — Musikfest Bremen
Getting There
The central venues in Bremen – Die Glocke and St. Petri Cathedral – are located at Domsheide and Marktplatz, respectively, both easily accessible by tram from the main train station. For concerts outside Bremen (Worpswede, Oldenburg, Bremerhaven, etc.), train or car are recommended; the festival sometimes offers shuttle services.
Tickets
Advance sales begin on April 15, 2026. Those who book by May 10 will benefit from an early bird discount. Ticket hotline: +49 (0)421 33 66 99. Prices vary significantly depending on the concert and seating category.
Tip
The opening 'Große Nachtmusik' is worth an entire evening – many concerts are free or accessible with a combined ticket.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Musikfest Bremen al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Musikfest Bremen
Die Glocke, Sankt Petri Dom und weitere Spielorte im Nordwesten
Glocke / Sankt Petri Dom / weitere Spielorte, 28195 Bremen