German classical music festivals

In late 2026, Germany hosted several musical festivals focused on historical and marginalized compositions.

From October 2 to October 11, the 28th Heinrich Schütz Musikfest took place across five cities: Dresden, Bad Köstritz, Gera, Weißenfels, and Zeitz. Organized by the Verein Mitteldeutsche Barockmusik under the theme ‘Spurensuche. Anstoß und Aufbruch’ (Search for Traces. Impulse and Departure), the festival featured approximately 40 events including concerts, lectures, and exhibitions. The program, organized by interim artistic director Gerd Amelung, focused on the legacy, spread, rediscovery, and modern interpretation of Baroque composer Heinrich Schütz.

Following this, the Festival of Outcast Music (Festival der Verfemten Musik) scheduled a special concert in Schwerin for November 13, 2026. Held at the Schwerin Conservatory, the performance by the Munich-based duo Laterne served as a prize-winner presentation for the International Interpretation Competition of Outcast Music. The event focused on works by composers whose careers were impacted by political upheaval, exile, or persecution, specifically those marginalized during the National Socialist era.