Thuringian Bach Weeks
Baroque festival in the footsteps of Johann Sebastian Bach throughout Thuringia
About Bach Weeks
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A Festival in the Cradle of the Bach Family
Thuringia is Bach country: Born in Eisenach, first organist in Arnstadt and Mühlhausen, court musician at the ducal court in Weimar – Johann Sebastian Bach left his mark on almost every major city in the present-day Free State. The Thuringian Bach Weeks were founded in 1992 to make this unique density of authentic Bach locations musically tangible.
«Herrschaftszeiten» – The 2026 Motto
In 2026, the festival examines the political and social power structures that shaped Bach's life and work. From the Mühlhausen city council to the Weimar ducal court and the Leipzig bourgeoisie: Bach's music was always created in dependence on «those above» – yet it is now a world heritage.
50 Concerts, International Stars
The program includes around 50 concerts in the major cities of Thuringia. The opening will be by Vox Luminis and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra on March 28 at St. George's Church in Eisenach. The RIAS Chamber Choir and the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin will perform the St. John Passion at the Erfurt Theatre on March 29. The festival concludes on April 19 with the British choir Tenebrae under Nigel Short at Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary.
Erfurt – One of the Main Venues
The state capital Erfurt, with St. Mary's Cathedral, Predigerkirche, Erfurt Theatre, and Augustinian Monastery, is one of the central venues. The festival area is within walking distance of Erfurt Central Station.
Bach Weeks — edition 2026
2026 Program – «Herrschaftszeiten»
The 35th festival explores Johann Sebastian Bach's relationship with the princes and political circumstances of his time. Around 50 concerts in the major Bach cities of Thuringia will trace the paths of the court composer and town cantor over four weeks.
Opening and Closing
Opening on March 28 at St. George's Church in Eisenach with Vox Luminis and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. Closing concert on April 19 at Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary with the British choir Tenebrae under Nigel Short.
Programme Bach Weeks 2026
Opening – March 28, 2026, Eisenach
- St. George's Church Eisenach – Vox Luminis & Freiburg Baroque Orchestra: sacred music
Erfurt Highlights
- March 29, 2026 – Erfurt Theatre: RIAS Chamber Choir & Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin – St. John Passion BWV 245
- April 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary: Tenebrae under Nigel Short – Closing concert with a modern masterpiece
Other Ensembles 2026
- Concerto Copenhagen
- Solomon's Knot
- Vox Luminis
- Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
- RIAS Chamber Choir
- Tenebrae (Nigel Short)
Other Venues 2026
Eisenach (Bach House, St. George's Church), Weimar (City Church, Belvedere), Arnstadt (Bach Church), Mühlhausen (Divi Blasii), Ohrdruf, Köthen, among others. Full program and tickets at thueringer-bachwochen.de.
Highlights Bach Weeks 2026
Prices Bach Weeks 2026
Practical information — Bach Weeks
Venues
Erfurt (St. Mary's Cathedral, Predigerkirche, Erfurt Theatre, Augustinian Monastery), Eisenach (St. George's Church, Bach House), Weimar (City Church, Belvedere), Arnstadt (Bach Church), Mühlhausen (Divi Blasii Church), Köthen, Ohrdruf, among others.
Tickets
Via the official festival office and ticketshop-thueringen.de. Early booking recommended, as several concerts tend to sell out quickly.
Getting There
ICE high-speed train stop Erfurt Hauptbahnhof (well-connected nationwide), regional trains via DB to the festival area. Special buses to some venues.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Bach Weeks
verschiedene Spielorte in Thüringen (u. a. Dom St. Marien Erfurt)
Bahnhofstraße 14, 99084 Erfurt