Picknickkonzert - Philharmonisches Orchester Trier
Summer open-air finale of the Porta³ Festival with soloists and the Philharmonic Orchestra
About Picknickkonzert Trier
The Picknickkonzert (Picnic Concert) has established itself as a summer highlight in Trier. It traditionally marks the end of the theater and concert season, as well as the finale of the Porta³ Festival, the multi-day open-air program that enlivens the city around the Porta Nigra and the Old Town.
At the heart of the event is the Philharmonic Orchestra of the City of Trier, one of the most traditional ensembles in Rhineland-Palatinate. Under the baton of General Music Director Jochem Hochstenbach, the orchestra presents a popular, full-evening program spanning from classical opera to hits from operettas, musicals, and film scores. The musicians are accompanied by soloists from the Theater Trier's music theater ensemble.
The concept is refreshingly simple and precisely why it's so successful: the audience brings their own picnics, blankets, folding chairs, and drinks, making themselves comfortable in the concert area. Families with children are explicitly welcome, and admission is free. The summer evening thus becomes an accessible encounter between the city's community and its municipal theater.
The event is integrated into the Porta³ Festival, which sets accents in the days prior with concerts of various genres at the Porta Nigra. The Picknickkonzert symbolically concludes the festival in the Old Town, handing over the summer to the region's numerous wine festivals.
Picknickkonzert Trier — edition 2026
The 2026 edition focuses entirely on the interplay between the municipal theater and the city's community. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the City of Trier presents a full-evening program featuring a cross-section of opera and operetta repertoire, musical and film music, as well as popular orchestral works.
Soloists from the music theater ensemble complement the program with arias and duets. The concept as a free open-air event with a picnic has been successful for years, regularly bringing together several thousand visitors.
Programme Picknickkonzert Trier 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by Theater Trier in late spring/early summer. The structure will follow the proven cornerstones of previous years:
- Opening: Orchestral prelude with a popular concert piece.
- Opera and Operetta Arias: Soloists from the music theater ensemble present well-known pieces from the stage repertoire.
- Musical and Film Music Block: Popular melodies from Hollywood and Broadway.
- Symphonic Block: Excerpts from the classical-romantic orchestral repertoire.
- Finale: Sing-along pieces and encores.
- Conductor: General Music Director Jochem Hochstenbach.
Highlights Picknickkonzert Trier 2026
- Free open-air summer finale with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the City of Trier.
- Soloists from the music theater ensemble conducted by GMD Jochem Hochstenbach.
- Picnic format in Trier's Old Town for families and classical music fans.
Prices Picknickkonzert Trier 2026
Admission to the 2026 Picknickkonzert is free. There are no reserved seats – early arrival ensures the best spot.
Practical information — Picknickkonzert Trier
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Location: Open-air venue in Trier's Old Town – the exact location will be announced by Theater Trier on theater-trier.de.
Admission: Free, no registration required. Please bring your own picnic, blankets, and folding chairs.
Getting there: Trier Hauptbahnhof (main train station), short walk to the Old Town. Parking garages in the city center nearby.
Program: Soloists from the music theater ensemble + Philharmonic Orchestra of the City of Trier, conducted by GMD Jochem Hochstenbach.
Note: In case of extremely bad weather, relocation is possible – check the Theater Trier website for current information.
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