Plauer Musiksommer

A Concert Series in the Shadow of Brick Gothic

The St. Mary's Church in Plau am See is one of the most important brick churches on the western edge of the Mecklenburg Lake District, built in the 13th/14th century, with a striking west tower and impressive acoustics. These acoustics form the stage for the Plauer Musiksommer – a concert series that has brought music to the church summer after summer for many years: classical church music, choir concerts, chamber music, and – as a Plau specialty – also shanty singing and folk programs.

What Makes the Plauer Musiksommer Special

The series is a mix of professional guest performances and local Plau contributions. Among the nationally recognized guests are choirs such as the Rostocker Motettenchor, the Junge Kammermusikensemble Berlin-Brandenburg, and the Young Academy Rostock (YARO). Local ensembles that perform regularly include the Shantychor Plauer See-Männer, the Plauer Mandolinengruppe, and the in-house church choirs. This mix makes the series vibrant and anchors it in Plau's community life.

Program Philosophy

Unlike the major Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which also perform in the region during the summer, the Plauer Musiksommer is explicitly free of charge: all concerts are freely accessible, and donations for the church and musicians are welcome. This accessibility is part of the program: summer vacationers, Plau residents, and commuters from the surrounding area should be able to find their way to the church without barriers. Concerts usually start at 8:00 PM, and many programs last around 60–75 minutes.

Opening 2026 and Season Progression

The 2026 opening will take place on Wednesday, June 24th at 8:00 PM, with a joint evening by Plau ensembles: the Shantychor Plauer See-Männer, the Plauer Mandolinengruppe, and several church choirs. Throughout the season, numerous concerts will follow until September, with an additional spring concert and a year-end concert (May 3rd and December 30th, respectively).

Plau am See — One Town, Three Summer Musicals

Anyone in Plau am See during the summer has a musical choice: the Burgfestspiele in the castle courtyard (theater, musical, revue), the Plauer Burghoffest by the local heritage association (Volksfest, Schützenzunft, shanty), and the Plauer Musiksommer in St. Mary's Church (classical, choir, chamber). The three offerings coexist, appeal to different audiences, and make the summer in this small town a surprisingly rich cultural season. Plau am See belongs to the Ludwigslust-Parchim district.