The Paths of Bach / Chemins de Bach 2026

Bach in Lüneburg — a biographical connection

Lüneburg is one of Germany's most important Bach cities. Johann Sebastian Bach spent the years 1700–1702 in the Hanseatic city as a young man, sang in the Mettenchor school of St. Michaelis Church, and laid important musical foundations here. The festival The Paths of Bach (French Chemins de Bach) makes this biographical connection the focus in 2026.

Ensemble Pygmalion at Pentecost

At Pentecost — from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, 2026 — the renowned French ensemble Pygmalion, led by Raphaël Pichon, will be guests in Lüneburg. Pygmalion is among the most internationally sought-after Baroque and Classical ensembles and has made a name for itself particularly with its Bach interpretations. In collaboration with the German ensemble reflektor, three Pentecost evenings of special radiance will be created.

Three Venues, Three Concerts

• Saturday, May 23 — Kulturforum Wienebüttel: Opening in a modern venue
• Sunday, May 24 — St. Michaeliskirche: Concert at the place of work of the young Bach
• Whit Monday, May 25, 5 PM — Kloster Lüne: Finale in a medieval sacred space

Programmatic Ambition

The three concerts follow a Bachian concept of paths: from the biographical trace in Lüneburg, through compositional development, to the sonic connection with Bach's predecessors and successors. The exact repertoire for each evening will be published by the Kulturforum. Pichon's interpretive approach combines historically informed performance practice with powerful sonority.

Highlight of the Lüneburg Classical Calendar

With Pygmalion and Raphaël Pichon, absolute international top-class artists come to Lüneburg — the festival positions itself as a cultural homage by the city to its famous resident and as a meeting point for Bach lovers from all over Northern Germany.