Sommermusiken am Dom Brandenburg

Classical Music in One of Brandenburg's Oldest Cathedrals

Brandenburg Cathedral St. Peter and Paul is one of the oldest and most significant sacred buildings in Northern Germany, with its origins dating back to the 12th century. In summer, the cathedral courtyard 10 — the seat of the Brandenburg Cathedral Chapter — becomes the focal point of one of Brandenburg's most renowned concert series: the Sommermusiken am Dom. From early June to early August, symphony orchestras, vocal ensembles, organists, and chamber ensembles perform in the Cathedral, St. Peter's Chapel, the Crypt, and the Cloister.

The Variety of Venues

What makes the Sommermusiken am Dom special is the variety of venues within the cathedral complex. The main nave of the Cathedral hosts symphony concerts and large choral works. The intimate St. Peter's Chapel is ideal for madrigals and chamber music. The Crypt is home to early music performances. In the Cloister, promenade concerts take place — a unique format where the audience is guided through the historic spaces while ensembles perform at various stations.

Program Lines

The festival collaborates annually with the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra, invites soloists from Universities of the Arts (UdK Berlin, music academies), presents vocal ensembles such as the Hallenser Madrigalisten or the Goldmund Vokalensemble, and programs major sacred works — from Bach and Rossini's Stabat Mater to contemporary compositions. Additionally, there is a separate concert series called "tokatha" (May to December), which extends the offerings well beyond the summer months.

Admission Philosophy

Many concerts are free of charge with a requested donation — making the Sommermusiken an accessible event that consciously aims to remove barriers between music and the audience. For larger programs (symphony concerts, Stabat Mater, organ series), tickets are available through the Papagena-ComfortTicket system. Regular attendees of the concert series can look forward to an extraordinary musical summer ritual.

Brandenburg an der Havel — The Cradle of the March of Brandenburg

Brandenburg an der Havel gives its name to the March — and thus to the present-day state of Brandenburg. This independent city lies between the major waterways Havel and Beetzsee and, with its Old Town, New Town, and Cathedral Island, is one of Eastern Germany's most fascinating medium-sized cities. Visitors attending a summer concert at the Cathedral should take time for a stroll across the islands and through the Old Town.