Soirée at the Saarpolygon

Classics above the Saar Valley

The Soirée at the Saarpolygon is one of the most extraordinary classical music events in Saarland. It takes place on a plateau 130 metres high on a former coal spoil tip — where the Saarpolygon has stood since 2016, a walkable steel landmark erected by scientists and designers in memory of the end of coal mining in Saarland. The industrial heritage monument itself — two intersecting steel structures, seemingly floating — forms the backdrop for the piano recital.

A Piano on the Spoil Tip

The concept is strikingly simple and therefore highly effective: A grand piano is transported to the spoil tip, the audience sits on chairs and brings their own picnic blankets, the sun sets over the Saar valley, and an international pianist performs about ninety minutes of piano literature. Previous editions have featured, among others, the German-French pianist Adriana von Franqué (2025) on the plateau. In 2026, the Berlin-based Korean-German pianist Jung Eun Séverine Kim will be the guest — with a programme ranging from Schumann's romanticism to Chopin and Schubert, and Ravel's Sonatine and La Valse.

Organisers with a Mission

Behind the event is the Förderverein BergbauErbe Saar e.V., which preserves the heritage of Saarland's mining tradition. The Soirée is also a benefit event — proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Saarpolygon and other projects to preserve industrial culture in Saarland. Thus, the concert joins the growing network of cultural events that keep Saarland's industrial heritage alive — from the UNESCO World Heritage site Völklingen Ironworks to the Bergmannskirche Itzenplitz church.

Getting There, Picnics, Weather

Access to the spoil tip is organised: The association offers a shuttle bus from the car park of the RAG representation (Am Ostring 1, Ensdorf) to the spoil tip, as the plateau cannot be accessed by private cars. Buses run between 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM, and the concert starts at 7 PM. Cushions and blankets are recommended — light catering before and after the concert, as well as during the interval, ensures convivial breaks. In case of bad weather, the concert will be postponed to the following day.

Ensdorf, Saarlouis, and the Saar Valley

Ensdorf is located in the district of Saarlouis on the left bank of the Saar river, nestled in a region shaped by mining for centuries. The Duhamel spoil tip, with an area of about 60 hectares, is one of Saarland's more prominent spoil tips. The Saarpolygon itself now forms a 30-metre-high walkable peak above the spoil tip and is visible from afar — on a clear day, the view extends to Lorraine and Luxembourg.