Romantic Night at the Castle Marktoberdorf

Classical Music in the Princely-Bishop's Castle

The Romantic Night at the Castle takes place in the princely-bishop's Castle Marktoberdorf, which today houses the Bavarian Music Academy Marktoberdorf. The evening offers varied short concerts in a relaxed atmosphere at two venues – a concept that makes classical music accessible and atmospheric.

Two Venues: St. Martin and Castle Courtyard

The first part of the evening takes place in the neighboring parish church of St. Martin. Afterwards, the audience moves to the castle courtyard of the music academy – under the open sky in good weather, or in the Richard-Wengenmeier-Saal in case of bad weather. The change of venues and moods is what makes the Romantic Night so special.

Mendelssohn Vocalensemble and Guests

The Romantic Night was founded and is artistically directed by Karl Zepnik, the artistic director of the Bavarian Music Academy. The Mendelssohn Vocalensemble, led by him, is a permanent fixture, complemented by annually changing musical guests – including renowned soloists like Florian Sonnleitner (long-time concertmaster of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra), organists like Prof. Hedwig Bilgram, and choirs of the Bavarian-Swabian Singers' Association.

Repertoire between Rheinberger and Mozart

The program spans a wide range: sacred works by Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger (Suite op. 166, double-choir Mass in E-flat major) in the first part, followed by chamber music such as Mozart's F-major Sonata and folk song arrangements under the motto "Folk Songs in a New Guise" in the second part. The exact program changes from year to year.

Marktoberdorf in the Ostallgäu

Marktoberdorf is the district town of Ostallgäu, on the edge of the Allgäu foothills. With the Bavarian Music Academy and the internationally renowned choir competition, the town is a center for choral and chamber music. The Romantic Night is a popular summer concert highlight in the region.