Queens of Soul – SWR Big Band Open Air Schloss Fleesensee

Soul Divas Meet Grammy-Nominated Big Band

When the SWR Big Band goes on tour, it often becomes a musical event: The Stuttgart-based ensemble is one of Europe's leading big bands and has been nominated for a Grammy multiple times. In the Fleesensee castle park, one of the most elegant venues in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it will perform a program full of soul classics on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Three Voices, Three Worlds

• Onita Boone – from New York, extensive stage experience in soul, gospel, and jazz
• Kennedy – from New York, a soul and pop voice with roots in gospel
• Ida Sand – from Sweden, singer and pianist, known for her fusion of jazz, soul, and Nordic soundscapes

Together, they reinterpret the classics of the great soul divas – from Aretha Franklin to Tina Turner to Etta James. Under the direction of Guido Jöris, a big band sound emerges that combines tradition and contemporary arrangement.

Schloss Fleesensee as an Open-Air Stage

The Fleesensee castle park in Göhren-Lebbin on the Fleesensee is part of the Mecklenburg Lake District and is located in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district. The area around the historic castle ensemble features large lawns, an experienced open-air concept, and hotel infrastructure that allows the concert to be combined with overnight and wellness packages.

Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern as a Framework

The concert is part of the Festspielsommer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, one of Europe's largest classical music festivals. Throughout the summer, around 190 events take place at 80 venues across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; Fleesensee castle park is one of the most exclusive locations in this program.