TAMIS — Days of Early Music in Saarland

Early Music in Saarland — A Distinct School

Early Music — that is, the historically informed performance practice of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods — is not a niche phenomenon in Saarbrücken but firmly established. With the Hochschule für Musik Saar, which offers its own degree program in Early Music, and the renowned Fritz Neumeyer Academy, the state capital has developed into a center for this genre. The TAMIS festival is the annual consolidation of this expertise — and its public showcase.

Breakfast Concerts as a Trademark

What sets TAMIS apart from other Early Music festivals are the breakfast concerts. Every morning from Monday to Friday at 9:30 AM, the Deutschherrnkapelle opens its doors — with free admission and complimentary breakfast. A different ensemble, a different lineup, a different piece: those who attend for the entire festival week will have experienced an average of six to eight intimate concerts featuring works by Bach, Telemann, Couperin, Buxtehude, and many lesser-known masters of the Baroque and early Renaissance periods.

Evening Main Concerts

The main evening concerts are the second pillar. In the Ludwigskirche, Friedenskirche, Schlosskirche, and other historic sacred buildings in Saarbrücken, specialist ensembles such as Tempera Mente and Abchordis Ensemble, along with outstanding soloists, perform. In 2026, the 19-year-old Bach Prize winner Julian Becker on the organ, as well as a program focusing on Johann Caspar Kerll's mass compositions, are announced.

'With Music Through the Day' — The Special Saturday

A TAMIS tradition is 'Mit Musik durch den Tag' (With Music Through the Day) on Saturday — seven half-hour concerts spread throughout the day in various Saarbrücken churches. With a city map and concert schedule, you can explore the city on foot and experience a different program at each stop. This combines the festival experience with a city walk.

Fritz Neumeyer and the Academy's Legacy

The festival's organizing academy is named after the harpsichordist Fritz Neumeyer (1900–1983), one of the pioneers of Early Music in Germany. The academy named in his honor preserves his legacy and supports young musicians specializing in historical performance practice. TAMIS is the annual stage where these emerging talents perform alongside established stars.

Saarbrücken in Spring — The Ideal Festival Location

In late April / early May, Saarbrücken is in full spring bloom. The state capital in the Saarbrücken district shows its most beautiful side: blooming front gardens, long evenings, lively city districts. TAMIS takes advantage of this atmosphere — short distances between concert venues, cafes and restaurants for breaks, a compact festival city in the best sense.