SHMF Concerts in Husum

Northern Germany's Largest Classical Festival

The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, SHMF for short, was founded in 1986 by Justus Frantz and has since developed into one of the most significant classical music festivals in Europe. Every summer from July to August, it transforms churches, riding halls, barns, and concert halls throughout Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and parts of Denmark into stages for the international classical scene. In 2026, 205 concerts at around 120 venues are planned — with Stockholm as the thematic country focus.

Husum as an SHMF Venue

Husum, the grey town by the sea in North Frisia, is one of the permanent venues of the SHMF. Two locations host the Husum concerts: the NordseeCongressCentrum (NCC) at Messe Husum & Congress on Großstraße 36 for programs with large ensembles, and the late Gothic St. Marienkirche in the city center for chamber music, organ concerts, and sacred music programs. This mix of a modern concert hall and a historic church space makes Husum one of the most versatile SHMF venues.

Stockholm 2026 — The Country Focus

Each year, the SHMF dedicates a focus to a country or composer. In 2026, the spotlight is on Stockholm: the Swedish capital stands for a rich tradition of classical, folk, and pop music, which the festival will showcase with concerts by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, performances by soprano Nina Stemme, and surprisingly, the legendary Swedish pop duo Roxette (performing in Kiel in July). The focus will also be reflected in the program in Husum.

Stars and Support Programs

The 2026 festival program includes international soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Hilary Hahn, and Midori, as well as the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. The annual awards in 2026 will be presented to Birke Bertelsmeier (Hindemith Prize, €20,000) and Lucienne Renaudin Vary (Leonard Bernstein Award, €20,000). Support orchestras like the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra and the Festival Choir — which will perform Bach's Mass in B minor and the musical "Chess" in 2026 — complete the program.

Schleswig-Holstein, Classical in Summer

The SHMF is funded by the state of Schleswig-Holstein with €1.176 million, and the total budget is around €14 million. The inclusion of Husum in the schedule underscores the festival's strategy to reflect the cultural diversity of the state comprehensively — and not just focus on the major cities of Kiel, Lübeck, and Flensburg.