Sperger Festival Ludwigslust
Classical music festival in honor of the court double bassist
About Sperger Festival
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Johann Matthias Sperger – A Forgotten Court Composer
Johann Matthias Sperger (1750 in Feldsberg, now Valtice/Czech Republic – 1812 in Ludwigslust) was one of the most important double bassists and composers of the late 18th century. From 1789, he served as court double bassist at the court of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in Ludwigslust, composing over 40 symphonies, several double bass concertos, concertos for viola, harpsichord, and clarinet, as well as chamber music. His oeuvre was largely forgotten in the 19th century – only in recent decades have Sperger and his works experienced a renaissance on concert stages.
Festival Concept
The Sperger Festival was conceived by the Ludwigslust-Parchim District Music School as a premiere in 2026, as part of the 150th anniversary of the town. Three evenings present Sperger as a subject of research and concerts: an introductory lecture explains Sperger's performance practice, an orchestral concert combines works from Sperger's time with contemporary interpretations, and a chamber concert in the Golden Hall features arrangements and new adaptations.
Venues – Authentic Soundscapes
All three concerts take place in locations connected to Sperger himself or representative of the sound world of his time: the Schlosscafé am Schlossplatz (lecture), the baroque Stadtkirche Ludwigslust (orchestral concert), and the magnificent Goldener Saal in Ludwigslust Castle (chamber concert). This combines music and architecture.
Local Context
The Ludwigslust-Parchim District Music School is named after Sperger and systematically cultivates his legacy. With the 2026 festival, it sets a new focus: not only research and teaching, but also public concerts are intended to make Sperger accessible to a broad audience. The cooperation with the Collegium Musicum Parchim e.V. extends the reach beyond the school's boundaries.
Sperger Festival — edition 2026
The premiere edition of the Sperger Festival will be held concurrently with the Lindenfest and as part of the 150th anniversary of the town. Three concert evenings are dedicated to the work and performance practice of Johann Matthias Sperger. On June 19, musicologist Darija Andzakovic will give the introductory lecture "Sperger's Performance Practice in Lecture and Demonstration" (6:00 PM, doors open 5:00 PM) at the Schlosscafé. On June 20, the orchestral concert "Ludwigslust Classical Music Then and Now" will take place in the Stadtkirche Ludwigslust with works by Sperger and contemporary references (6:00 PM, doors open 5:30 PM). The closing event on June 21 will be the chamber concert "Sperger reloaded – Tradition Meets Creativity" in the Golden Hall of Ludwigslust Castle, performed by the Collegium Musicum Parchim e.V. and teachers from the District Music School with original works, arrangements, and new adaptations (6:00 PM, doors open 5:30 PM). Works such as the Divertimento in D major, the so-called Viola Symphony from 1782, and the first movement of the Double Bass Concerto No. 1 will be publicly performed again after the Sperger Renaissance.
Programme Sperger Festival 2026
Friday, June 19 — Schlosscafé Ludwigslust
- 5:00 PM — Doors open
- 6:00 PM — Introductory Lecture "Sperger's Performance Practice in Lecture and Demonstration" with musicologist Darija Andzakovic
- Admission: 5 EUR / 1 EUR (schoolchildren, students)
Saturday, June 20 — Stadtkirche Ludwigslust
- 5:30 PM — Doors open
- 6:00 PM — Orchestral Concert "Ludwigslust Classical Music Then and Now"
- Works: Divertimento in D major, "Viola Symphony" from 1782, First movement of Double Bass Concerto No. 1 by J.M. Sperger
- Performers: Collegium Musicum Parchim e.V. with District Music School
- Admission: 5 EUR (schoolchildren/students free)
Sunday, June 21 — Golden Hall, Ludwigslust Castle
- 5:30 PM — Doors open
- 6:00 PM — Chamber Concert "Sperger reloaded – Tradition Meets Creativity"
- Works: Original works, arrangements, and new adaptations by teachers and students of the District Music School
- Admission: 5 EUR / 1 EUR
Advance sales start April 27, 2026, at the Stadtinfo Ludwigslust and at the box office.
Highlights Sperger Festival 2026
- Premiere of the Sperger Festival
- Three concerts in three authentic venues
- Performances since Sperger's time (Divertimento in D major, Viola Symphony)
- Cooperation between District Music School and Collegium Musicum Parchim
- As part of the 150th anniversary of Ludwigslust town
Prices Sperger Festival 2026
Lecture and both concerts: 5 EUR standard price, 1 EUR reduced (schoolchildren, students). Orchestral concert Stadtkirche: 5 EUR / schoolchildren and students free. Advance sales from April 27, 2026, Stadtinfo Ludwigslust.
Practical information — Sperger Festival
Getting There
Ludwigslust ICE train station is directly on the Berlin–Hamburg line. From the station, it is about a 15-minute walk to the Stadtkirche and the palace.
Tickets
Advance sales start April 27, 2026, at the Stadtinfo Ludwigslust. Lecture: 5 EUR / 1 EUR (schoolchildren, students). Orchestral concert: 5 EUR (schoolchildren/students free). Chamber concert: 5 EUR / 1 EUR.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Sperger Festival
Schlosscafé / Stadtkirche / Goldener Saal Schloss Ludwigslust
Innenstadt, 19288 Ludwigslust