International Shostakovich Days Gohrisch

Shostakovich in his Refuge

The spa town of Gohrisch in Saxon Switzerland served as a refuge and composing location for Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) for several weeks in the early 1960s — his 8th String Quartet was composed here in 1960. Since 2010, the 'International Shostakovich Days Gohrisch' have commemorated this connection with a festival that is unique worldwide: no other festival is exclusively dedicated to the work of the Russian composer. In 2026, the 17th edition runs from June 25 to 28.

Chamber Music in the Concert Barn

The musical heart of the festival is the Gohrisch Concert Barn — a converted space with outstanding acoustics, where chamber music is performed with an intensity rarely achievable in concert halls. The program includes string quartets by Shostakovich (with the 15 string quartets as a central pillar), symphonies in chamber arrangements, piano works, songs, solo recitals, and world premieres by contemporary composers who engage in dialogue with Shostakovich's oeuvre.

Sächsische Staatskapelle and International Soloists

A key partner of the festival is the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, which regularly performs Shostakovich's works — soloists and ensembles from the Staatskapelle are frequent guests in Gohrisch. In addition, there are world-class international soloists and string quartets, which have established the festival over the years as one of Europe's most distinguished chamber music events.

Shostakovich Prize and Accompanying Program

Each year, the Shostakovich Prize is awarded — an accolade for artists or scholars who have made significant contributions to the composer's work. Lectures, podcasts, and film screenings deepen the festival experience. Those who arrive early can participate in guided hikes through Saxon Switzerland — they connect the rocks, gorges, and table mountains of the National Park with the musical program.

Gohrisch, Saxon Switzerland, and the District

Gohrisch is located in the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district, in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in close proximity to the Gohrisch and Pfaffenstein rock formations. The festival hotel is the Elbresidenz Bad Schandau. The region is ideal for combining high culture with a hiking experience.