Residenzkonzerte Oettingen

One of Bavaria's Most Beautiful Concert Halls

The Baroque Festival Hall of the Oettingen Residence is considered one of Bavaria's most beautiful concert halls. The former princely residence in the northern district of Donau-Ries houses a richly decorated festival hall with ceiling frescoes, stucco work, and acoustics specifically designed for court concerts and chamber music. For years, the Oettingen Residence Concerts have taken place in this very hall — a concert series that turns the Swabian-Franconian border region into a classical music hotspot every year from May to October.

2026 Season — May to October

The 2026 season runs from May 9th to October 17th, 2026. The program is curated by the Oettingen Residence Concerts Board, which selects a mix of regional ensembles (Oettingen Chamber Orchestra, Oettingen Bach Orchestra), guest ensembles from the southern German region, and internationally acclaimed soloists.

Season Opening May 9th, 2026

The season opens with the Oettingen Chamber Orchestra performing baroque solo concertos — the main work being a flute concerto by C.P.E. Bach, performed by the 16-year-old, multi-award-winning flutist Eric Schmitt. This is a deliberate programming choice that puts the talent of young soloists in the spotlight.

Gala Concert May 22nd, 2026 — Munich Radio Orchestra

A highlight of the spring months: The Munich Radio Orchestra will perform in Oettingen on May 22nd, 2026. The program includes Handel's "Water Music," Mozart's "Exsultate, jubilate," and other brilliant pieces — sung by the Swiss soprano Regula Mühlemann, one of the most sought-after singers of her generation.

Open-Air on July 5th — Beethoven and Film Music

A special event: on July 5th, 2026, the Oettingen Bach Orchestra will give an open-air concert in the castle courtyard. The program combines dramatic classical works like Beethoven's 5th Symphony with film music arrangements — a popular open-air format under the summer sky.

Closing Concert October 17th, 2026

The closing concert on October 17th, 2026 features the 16-year-old violinist Clemens Reißenweber with the Oettingen Chamber Orchestra — performing the famous Violin Concerto by Beethoven. A finale that showcases the series' profile: young soloists with unusually mature skill, combined with the repertoire standards of Viennese Classicism.

Oettingen — Bavarian Castle Town

Oettingen i.Bay. is the seat of the former Principality of Oettingen-Spielberg and thus one of the most historically significant castle towns in Bavarian Swabia. Today, the market town has just under 5,000 inhabitants and is a tourist highlight of the Donau-Ries district with its Residence, town fortifications, and Hohenaltheim Castle — not far from Nördlingen with its famous Ries crater.