Musikfest ION — International Festival of Sacred Music
International Festival of Sacred Music in Nuremberg
About Musikfest ION
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One of the Oldest Festivals of Sacred Music
The Musikfest ION — the abbreviation stands for International Organ Week Nuremberg — has been held annually since 1951, making it one of the most traditional festivals for sacred music in Europe. For about ten days in May or June/July, the historic churches of Nuremberg's Old Town are transformed into concert halls for organ music, choral music, sacred vocal, and instrumental music.
A Festival in the Spirit of Reconciliation
The festival arose from a special historical impulse: over 70 years ago, people in war-torn Nuremberg sought a new dialogue. From this desire for reconciliation and cultural plurality, Musikfest ION was born — an idea that continues to shape its programming to this day. The Musikfest ION Foundation is the organizer.
Venues in Nuremberg's Churches
The festival uses the most important sacral buildings in the Old Town: St. Sebald, St. Lorenz, St. Egidien, the Frauenkirche on Hauptmarkt, St. Martha, the Gustav-Adolf-Gedächtniskirche, the Kulturkirche Gostenhof (GoHo), the Historic City Hall, and the Aufseßsaal in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Daily organ matinees take place in the Frauenkirche.
Program Profile
The program includes classical concerts, chamber music, organ recitals, contemporary music, and participatory sing-along formats (SingBach, Sing-along concerts). Internationally renowned ensembles and soloists perform — from a cappella ensembles and organ virtuosos to singers from classical and jazz.
Significance in Nuremberg's Festival Calendar
Alongside the Bardentreffen, Stadtverführungen, and classical open-air events, Musikfest ION is one of Nuremberg's cultural constants. With its focus on sacred music in authentic church settings, it occupies a unique niche and attracts audiences from all over Franconia, the metropolitan region, and internationally.
Musikfest ION — edition 2026
For its 75th anniversary, Musikfest ION is significantly expanding its program. The opening on Friday, June 19, will be the Große Nürnberger Musiknacht in collaboration with BR-KLASSIK: several short concerts of about 45 minutes each at three venues on one evening, featuring Maayan Licht, Solomon's Knot, and Chanticleer, bookable with a combo ticket.
Later, The King's Singers will perform their program "Close Harmony," Cameron Carpenter will play a program from Bach and Handel to Brahms and César Franck in St. Sebald on June 20, Anna Prohaska will give a Lieder recital with Eric Schneider on June 30, and Rebekka Bakken will make her ION debut. The closing will be a grand celebratory concert. Accompanying this will be daily organ matinees in the Frauenkirche and sing-along formats. Ticket sales began in November.
Programme Musikfest ION 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026 — Opening
- Große Nürnberger Musiknacht (BR-KLASSIK Cooperation): Short concerts at three venues with Maayan Licht, Solomon's Knot, Chanticleer
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Cameron Carpenter (Organ) — St. Sebald: Works by Bach, Handel, Brahms, César Franck
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
- Anna Prohaska (Soprano) & Eric Schneider (Piano) — Lieder Recital
Further Highlights (June 19 – July 5)
- The King's Singers — "Close Harmony"
- Rebekka Bakken (ION Debut)
- RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin, Tenebrae Choir, Stegreif Orchestra
- Daily Organ Matinees in the Frauenkirche (approx. 12:15 PM)
- Sing-along Formats (SingBach, Sing-along Concert)
- Grand 75th Anniversary Concert
Highlights Musikfest ION 2026
Prices Musikfest ION 2026
Practical information — Musikfest ION
Getting There
Nuremberg is excellently connected by ICE high-speed trains; the venues are mostly located within the easily walkable Old Town. The subway stations Lorenzkirche and Hauptmarkt provide access to the central churches.
Venues
St. Sebald, St. Lorenz, St. Egidien, Frauenkirche, St. Martha, Gustav-Adolf-Gedächtniskirche, Kulturkirche Gostenhof, Historischer Rathaussaal, Aufseßsaal in the GNM.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the platform Reservix (ion.reservix.de/events). Popular concerts often sell out early — booking in advance is recommended.
Organ Matinees
Daily organ matinees in the Frauenkirche (approx. 12:15 PM) during the festival days.
Organizer
Musikfest ION Foundation — Program details at musikfest-ion.de.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Musikfest ION
Kirchen der Nürnberger Altstadt (St. Sebald, St. Lorenz u.a.)
Winklerstraße 1, 90402 Nürnberg