Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer
Edition 2026 Music Classical Baroque music

Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer

Concert series on Saturdays in July and August at the Hauptkirche BMV Wolfenbüttel

Wolfenbüttel — Landkreis Wolfenbüttel (03158)
Dates 04 Jul — 29 Aug 2026
Venue Wolfenbüttel (03158)
Prices Free
Status

About Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer

The Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer is a traditional concert series of the Hauptkirche Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV) and is one of the fixed church music highlights of the summer in the Lessingstadt. Every Saturday in July and August 2026, a one-hour organ recital will be performed at 5 p.m. in the acoustically outstanding main church. Renowned organists from all over Germany and international guests will present the individual concerts with different programs and focuses. The repertoire ranges from works of the North German organ school of the 17th century to Bach, Mendelssohn, and Reger, up to contemporary organ music. The historic organ of the BMV, one of the oldest instruments in Northern Germany, is the real star.

A Concert Series with Tradition

Over the years, the Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer has become a fixture in the North German organ scene. The concerts every Saturday in July and August create a continuous musical presence that appeals to regular visitors as well as chance summer guests of the city. With a start at 5 p.m., the timing fits perfectly into the summer city life.

Historic BMV Organ

The historic organ of the Hauptkirche BMV, built in 1624 by Esaias Compenius (son) and since then repeatedly expanded and restored, is at the center of attention. With its historic registers, its characteristic tonal richness, and its excellent acoustics in the church space, it offers exceptional possibilities for both baroque and romantic and contemporary organ music. Each guest organist brings their own relationship to this instrument, making each concert an individual experience.

Diverse Repertoire

The individual concerts are programmed by the organists themselves and cover a broad stylistic spectrum. Works of the North German organ school (Buxtehude, Weckmann, Bruhns) are found alongside the great preludes and fugues of Bach, romantic organ works (Mendelssohn, Reger, Liszt) alternate with French romanticism (Franck, Vierne, Widor) and contemporary compositions. Improvisations on given themes also round off some concerts.

Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer — edition 2026

The Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer 2026 spans the months of July and August. Every Saturday at 5 p.m., various renowned organists from Germany and abroad will present one-hour organ recitals on the historic organ of the Hauptkirche Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV). The stylistic spectrum ranges from the North German organ school of the 17th century to Bach, Mendelssohn, and Reger, up to contemporary organ literature. Free admission, donations requested. Exact concert dates and performers will be published by the organizer in early summer.

Summer Concert Series on the Historic Organ

Spread over approximately nine to ten concert evenings, visitors will experience a diverse selection of organ interpretations and programs. Each Saturday offers the opportunity to hear a new voice on this extraordinary instrument. The concerts are free to attend — a collection for the maintenance of the organ and the series is requested.

Programme Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer 2026

Planned Program 2026

Format

  • Every Saturday in July and August 2026
  • Concert start at 5 p.m. each day
  • Duration approx. 60 minutes
  • Hauptkirche Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV), Wolfenbüttel

Performers and Programs

The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in early summer. The structure follows the proven benchmarks of previous years:

  • Various guest organists from Germany and abroad
  • Invitation of distinguished soloists from the organ scene
  • Individually programmed recitals

Repertoire Focuses (Typical)

  • North German Organ School (Buxtehude, Weckmann, Bruhns, Reincken)
  • Works by Johann Sebastian Bach
  • Romantic Organ Music (Mendelssohn, Reger, Liszt, Brahms)
  • French Romantic Organ Music (Franck, Vierne, Widor, Boëllmann)
  • Contemporary Organ Compositions
  • Improvisations and Arrangements

Highlights Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer 2026

Concert series every Saturday in July and August | Start at 5 p.m. each day | Historic BMV Organ (1624) | Guest organists from all over Germany and abroad | Diverse repertoire from Baroque to Contemporary | Free admission, donations requested

Prices Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer 2026

Free admission. Donations for the maintenance of the historic organ and the concert series are requested.

Practical information — Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer

Location

Hauptkirche Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV), Kornmarkt, 38300 Wolfenbüttel.

Date and Time

Every Saturday in July and August 2026, at 5 p.m. each day.

Getting There

Wolfenbüttel train station (5 minutes on foot), A39 exit Wolfenbüttel-Nord.

Admission

Free admission. Donations for the maintenance of the organ and the concert series are requested.

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Wolfenbütteler Orgelsommer at a glance

Music Classical Baroque music Sacred music Free Multidisciplinary International Landkreis Wolfenbüttel