Viva la musica - Classical Open-Air in the Gardens of the World

Classical Music Under the Open Sky - A Berlin Summer Finale

Viva la musica is one of the fixed summer dates in Berlin's classical music scene and has been held for years in the arena of the Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World): a 43-hectare park in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district, which, with its international themed gardens (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Oriental, Italian Garden, among others), is one of the major green spaces in East Berlin. The organizer is the state-owned Grün Berlin GmbH, which operates the park.

The Concept

Unlike the classical open-air event at the Waldbühne, Viva la musica focuses on a manageable format: a permanently built arena with a stage, seating, and standing room, a classical orchestra under the open sky, and a clear program theme for each edition. And at the end, specially choreographed fireworks set to music. This concluding spectacle over the themed gardens of the world has been the hallmark of the series for years, filling the arena on the last weekend of August.

2026 Program - "Viva la Vida"

The 2026 edition is dedicated to the joy of life: Under the motto "Viva la Vida - Long Live Life", the Dresdner Philharmonie, conducted by Austrian conductor Christoph Koncz, will perform a program of Spanish and Latin American music. Classical works from Andalusia, from the tango heritage of Argentina, and from Mexican symphonic music will culminate in a fiery highlight: the pyrotechnic finale over the park arena.

Getting There on Foot via Cable Car

The location of the Gardens of the World in the far east of Berlin makes the journey an experience in itself: Those who take the U5 subway to the final station Kienberg - Gärten der Welt can glide over to the park with the cable car, in operation since IGA 2017. Before the concert, the cable car runs until 7:30 PM, and after the fireworks, it resumes operation until around 10:30 PM. Ticket holders receive priority boarding.

Gärten der Welt - A Park with Its Own Concert Venue

The arena within the Gardens of the World is a permanently constructed open-air stage that hosts a series of concerts every year: from pop open-airs ("Mondfest", individual artist dates like Karat) to the classical program Viva la musica. The admission price includes access to the entire park. Those who arrive early can stroll through the Chinese or Japanese Garden before the concert.