Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Concert

Tambach-Dietharz — Water Town on the Rennsteig

Tambach-Dietharz is a small town on the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest in the Gotha district, nestled between wooded slopes and reservoirs. With around 4,000 inhabitants, the town is manageable but exceptionally located scenically: This is where the low mountain range begins, and the Rennsteig ridge path runs a few kilometers to the south. The landmarks are the reservoirs: the Alte Gothaer Talsperre, the Apfelstädtstausee, and the Tambacher Talsperre — water reserves for the Gotha region and at the same time tourist attractions for hiking, swimming, and experiencing nature.

Concert by the Water — Unique Acoustics

The Alte Gothaer Talsperre was built in 1909 and is one of the oldest reservoirs in Germany. Its masonry construction and the surrounding wooded slopes create an exceptional acoustic situation for open-air concerts: the sound is reflected by the water, absorbed by the forest, and amplified by the valley basin. The Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach has been utilizing this natural acoustics for years for the Reservoir Concert — a unique concert format in Germany.

Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach

The Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach is one of Thuringia's renowned orchestras — formed from the merger of the Gotha and Eisenach theater orchestras. It serves as the resident orchestra for the Landestheater Eisenach and for the Philharmonic concerts in Gotha. For the Reservoir Concert, it brings its string section to the open-air stage — a reduced but harmonious ensemble that reaches a broad audience with rock-pop arrangements and crossover programs.

Pop meets Classic — 2026 Program

The «Pop meets Classic» concept combines classical and popular music in one program. Thomas Hahn & Band are set as pop singers and band, while the Philharmonic strings handle the classical works (Beethoven, Vivaldi) and the orchestral arrangements of the pop pieces. The Children's Choir of the Staatliche Grundschule «Am Rennsteig» Tambach-Dietharz performs in several pieces — a special local component. Songs by Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna in string arrangements connect classical music lovers and pop listeners. The concert is a family and intergenerational event — ideal as a summer open-air highlight.

Gotha District and Thuringian Forest

In the Gotha district, with the historic ducal city of Gotha (Schloss Friedenstein) and the southern Thuringian Forest, the Reservoir Concert is one of the most important summer events. Those who attend the concert often combine the evening with a day hike in the Thuringian Forest — for example, to the Inselsberg or the Falkenstein. The nearby Ritter Recken Heldenspiele (medieval festival, mid-July) turn Tambach-Dietharz into a festival center in July. A combination of medieval times, classical crossover, and hiking over a weekend is very feasible.