Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker 2026

Germany's Oldest Chamber Music Festival

Founded in 1946 — just one year after the end of the war — the Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker is Germany's oldest chamber music festival. The 81st edition runs from Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, August 2, 2026 — nine days of top-class chamber music in the historic Elbe town of Hitzacker.

Haydn 2026

The thematic focus of the 81st edition is Joseph Haydn. Artistic Director Oliver Wille has programmed a comprehensive exploration of the Viennese classic — from his early string quartets to his late oratorios. The finale on August 2 will feature Haydn's highly emotional composition 'The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross'.

Top-Class Artist Ensemble

Over 40 artists will be featured in 2026. Among them are stars of the international classical scene:

• Igor Levit — Piano
• Martin Helmchen — Piano
• Dorothea Röschmann — Soprano
• String quartets, chamber music ensembles, and solo artists from around the world

Debut Marathons

A specialty of Hitzacker are the Debut Marathons: full-day concert series featuring young artists of a high caliber.

• Sun, July 26 — Debut Marathon I Piano
• Sat, Aug 1 — Debut Marathon II String Quartet

New Venue St. Johannis

Joining the established VERDO Hitzacker in 2026 is the St. Johannis Church as a new venue. The festival thus expands its architectural spectrum to include a sacred space with special acoustics — ideal for sacred music and vocal programs.

Hitzacker in Summer

Around 10,000 visitors come to Hitzacker annually, which becomes a meeting point for the chamber music scene during the festival days. Concerts by day, encounters by the Elbe river in the evening — a festival format that is unique worldwide in its combination of quality and atmosphere.