Pfingstfestival Schloss Gartow 2026

Chamber Music at the Castle

The Pfingstfestival Schloss Gartow is one of the most intimate and high-quality classical music festivals in the Wendland. The historic Schloss Gartow, belonging to the von Bernstorff family, provides the setting for four concerts that fill the Pentecost weekend — from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, 2026. Artistic direction: Isabel von Bernstorff.

Concert Series

The festival presents a packed program:

• Saturday 23/5, 5 PM — Opening Concert: Works by Schubert, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Brahms
• Sunday 24/5, 3 PM: Chamber music by Mahler/Wolf, Raff, and Brahms
• Sunday 24/5, 7:30 PM — Late-Night Café: Chansons and tango in a relaxed atmosphere
• Monday 25/5, 11 AM — Matinée: Brahms, Ligeti, Bridge, and Dvořák

Nine Musicians

A total of nine musicians from the international chamber music scene will gather in Gartow to perform the program in various ensembles. The programs combine classical standard works (Brahms, Schubert, Dvořák) with rarities (Raff, Bridge, Mahler/Wolf arrangements) and modern pieces (Ligeti).

Schloss Gartow and the Region

Schloss Gartow is located in the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg, near the Elbe river and the border with Saxony-Anhalt. The region is known for high-quality cultural events — the Schlosskonzerte (Castle Concerts) by the von Bernstorff family have been held at the estate for decades and enjoy an excellent reputation. The Pfingstfestival is their seasonal highlight.