Name: Guest at the Rheingau Music Festival
Start: 2026-07-10T20:00:00
Location: Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH

Bamberger Symphoniker

As early as 1773, the traveling scholar Charles Burney noted in his diary that "the Bohemians are the most musical of all nations." Our characteristically warm orchestral style is deeply rooted in this tradition, and we always enjoy celebrating it with exuberant joy. Our principal conductor has once again put together a captivating program from his homeland: It plunges us into the second act of Janáček's poignant national opera "Jenůfa," which premiered in Brno in 1904. The opera revolves around rural life and the prevailing moral codes and social constraints that place immense pressure on a young woman—ultimately leading to the death of her illegitimate child. This magnificent masterpiece is defined by folk music, dramatic moments, and an incredible intensity of emotion.

Jakub Hrůša, Daniela Koch

Classical music meets techno: We look forward to a playful blend of tradition and innovation – and, as in the previous season, we will transform our concert hall for our firstClub Symphonyinto a vibrant club. The audience will be irresistibly treated to the wonderful and creative possibilities of this unique adventure on this special evening. Joining us are two engaging artists who are seasoned bridge-builders between classical and popular music: Together with pianist and keyboardist Francesco Tristano, and under the direction of conductor Dzijan Emin, we will joyfully blur the lines between genres.

Club Symphony

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. In the final concert on July 3, they conduct the same program again before an audience and the jury. Afterwards, the public votes online, the jury retires to deliberate – and at the end of the evening, the winners are announced, opening the doors to an international career for them.

The Mahler Competition 1. Runde

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. In the final concert on July 3, they conduct the same program again before an audience and the jury. 

The Mahler Competition 2nd round

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development.

The Mahler Competition SEMIFINALE

Since 2004, THE MAHLER COMPETITION has been one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young conductors. We receive over 500 applications from around the globe each year, and only a maximum of 24 selected talents are invited to Bamberg for intensive working sessions with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under professional conditions rarely offered by other competitions. All rounds of the competition, including the final, are open to the public and offer fascinating insights into the work on the conductor's podium. In the two-day final, the three remaining candidates each receive two and a half hours of rehearsal time with the orchestra – an exceptional format that allows for audible depth and development. 

The Mahler Competition FINALE

The Mahler Competition FINAL CONCERT

In summer, we always look forward to guest performances at festivals in charming spa towns – and this time, under the direction of our principal conductor, we are fittingly presenting an all-Brahms program with pieces that also sprang from idyllic stays. The Hamburg native and later adopted Viennese composer enjoyed working on his compositions in scenic locations. He frequently traveled to Lake Wörthersee, for example: so many melodies, he remarked with a twinkle in his eye, were floating about there that one had to be careful not to "tread on them." He captured some of these melodies so playfully for his most important symphonic and concertante works that even his contemporaries perceived them as "moments of the highest poetic beauty" – or raved: "It's nothing but blue skies, babbling brooks, sunshine, and cool green shade!" After Brahms had spent his holidays in the Vienna Woods, his music was described as extremely "musical.

Guest at the Kissinger Summer Festival

Regentenbau

Guest at the Rheingau Music Festival

Kurhaus Wiesbaden GmbH

The program and soloists will be announced at a later date.

On his 99th birthday, we welcome an artist who has added a distinctive chapter to the history of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra over many years: Herbert Blomstedt. We are especially delighted that he will be conducting this concert himself – it is a tribute to his artistry, his charisma, and that extraordinary connection that has bound us closely together for decades. Since his first appearance with our orchestra in December 1982, a special relationship has developed – one built on mutual trust, artistic clarity, and an attitude that approaches music with tireless devotion. In over four decades of working together, Herbert Blomstedt has shaped the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra: through his musical experience as well as through his calm authority and a judicious, always meaningful choice of repertoire.

Special concert for Herbert Blomstedt's 99th birthday

When, in Bamberg's Hain park, the gentle sounds of flutes mingle with the melodious birdsong in the meditation pavilion, a string ensemble plays from the Botanical Garden, and trumpets sound from the bandstand, then it's that time again: the Musical Strolls in the Hain invite you to listen and linger. On July 26, ensembles from the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra will present their musical diversity at various venues throughout the Hain – in a wide range of formations and with a varied program. Enjoy the music in a relaxed summer atmosphere, perhaps on a picnic blanket, and a stroll from venue to venue will reveal ever-new sonic experiences. A delightful end to the season, uniquely blending music and nature. Admission is free. Let yourself be surprised, wander through the Hain, and follow the sounds – always follow your ears! The detailed program will be announced shortly and published on our website.