Summer Music in the Bismarck Houses Schönhausen — Altmark Festival
Chamber concert with trumpet, organ, and readings in Otto von Bismarck's birthplace
About Bismarck Houses Schönhausen
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Altmark Festival 2026 — “Echo of Happiness”
The Altmark Festival is one of the most important chamber music and cultural festivals in northern Saxony-Anhalt. In 2026, it runs from May 16 to September 5 under the motto “Echo of Happiness,” distributing around 29 concerts across 18 venues – castles, manor houses, village churches, and historic courtyards in the Altmark region. The festival is organized by a supra-regional consortium, with artistic direction led for years by conductor and composer Reinhard Seehafer.
Schönhausen — Birthplace of Otto von Bismarck
Schönhausen an der Elbe is part of the Stendal district in the northern Altmark region of Saxony-Anhalt and is historically significant as the birthplace of Otto von Bismarck (1815). The "Bismarck Houses" – the palace and the future Reich Chancellor's birthplace – are now a museum and memorial site. In close proximity stands the medieval St. Marien-und-Willebrord Church, one of the oldest churches in the northwestern Altmark and an acoustically excellent concert hall.
Program on August 1, 2026
The chamber concert brings together three prominent artists. Jiří Houdek is the principal trumpet of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and, since 2008, also principal trumpet of the National Theatre Orchestra in Prague. Aleš Bárta is an award-winning organist, winner of the International Anton Bruckner Organ Competition in Linz, and laureate of the International Franz Liszt Organ Competition in Budapest. Actor Max Urlacher will read texts by Rainer Maria Rilke, Franz Kafka, and Egon Erwin Kisch – voices of literary modernism that explore happiness, longing, and the human condition.
A Concert Series in Special Locations
The Summer Music in the Bismarck Houses is part of the “Culture in Special Locations” concept, which has been the driving force behind the Altmark Festival since its inception. Instead of classical concert halls, they utilize the architecture of the Altmark's manor houses, castles, and churches – creating sound and meeting spaces that are unique in Germany.
Bismarck Houses Schönhausen — edition 2026
The concert in Schönhausen is one of the 29 events of the Altmark Festival 2026 and combines music and literature in the typical festival style. The trumpet and organ create a soundscape that is both solemn and intimate in the acoustically excellent medieval brick church – Max Urlacher provides literary responses to the festival motto “Echo of Happiness” with Rilke, Kafka, and Egon Erwin Kisch.
The combination of chamber music, spoken literature, and extraordinary venues is the artistic signature of the Altmark Festival, making the Schönhausen concert one of the most memorable events of the annual program.
Programme Bismarck Houses Schönhausen 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026 — Schönhausen
- Venue: St. Marien-und-Willebrord Church, in immediate proximity to the Bismarck Houses
- Program: “Perhaps We Can Achieve a Little Heaven” / Summer Music in the Bismarck Houses
- Soloists: Jiří Houdek (Trumpet, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra / National Theatre Prague)
- Aleš Bárta (Organ, Bruckner Competition Linz, Liszt Competition Budapest)
- Max Urlacher (Actor, Readings)
- Texts: Rainer Maria Rilke, Franz Kafka, Egon Erwin Kisch
Context: Altmark Festival 2026
- Festival Period: May 16 to September 5, 2026
- Motto: “Echo of Happiness”
- 29 concerts at 18 venues in the Altmark (castles, manor houses, village churches)
Full program and ticket booking at altmarkfestspiele.de.
Highlights Bismarck Houses Schönhausen 2026
Prices Bismarck Houses Schönhausen 2026
Practical information — Bismarck Houses Schönhausen
Getting There
Schönhausen is located about 15 km northeast of Tangermünde on the Elbe River. By car via the B107 or via Tangermünde. By train to Schönhausen station (RB connection Magdeburg–Wittenberge).
Venue
The St. Marien-und-Willebrord Church in Schönhausen is located directly next to the Bismarck Houses. Limited seating – early booking strongly recommended.
Tickets
Advance sales began on February 2, 2026. Ticket prices start at €30. Children under 14 accompanied by an adult are free. Teenagers under 18 pay €10. Students and people with disabilities receive a 50% discount. Tickets available at altmarkfestspiele.de or via the ticket hotline 03907-7763880.
Before and After the Concert
A visit to the Bismarck Houses (palace and birthplace) and the historic town center is recommended – a worthwhile day trip to the Altmark.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Bismarck Houses Schönhausen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Bismarck Houses Schönhausen
Bismarck-Häuser / St.-Marien-und-Willebrord-Kirche Schönhausen
St. Marien und Willebrord, Bismarck-Häuser, 39524 Schönhausen (Elbe)