The 38th Rheingau Music Festival kicks off with a vibrant array of events, celebrating musical diversity and cultural richness. From the opening concert at the historic Eberbach Monastery to lively children's performances, and from Spanish nights to jazz legends, this year's festival promises an unforgettable eleven weeks. Notable performers include renowned violinists, conductors, and vocalists, each ready to enthrall audiences with their talents. As Europe gathers for this grand celebration, the festival highlights pivotal works and contemporary collaborations, immersing attendees in a vivid tapestry of sound and artistry.

Rheingau Music Festival 2025: A Journey Through Sound and Culture

The Rheingau Music Festival 2025 is set to dazzle music lovers with a diverse lineup of events, from 80s hits at a summer festival to soulful performances at Geisenheim's Cathedral Square. With an array of venues, the festival will showcase the talents of world-renowned artists, offering everything from jazz matinées and classical piano nights to unique cabaret and soulful grooves. This year's lineup promises an unforgettable blend of music, culture, and atmosphere, cementing Rheingau's place on the cultural map.

Rheingau Music Festival 2025: A Symphony of Sound and Culture

The Rheingau Musik Festival continues to captivate audiences with a harmonious blend of musical genres and artistic excellence. This year's lineup includes 'Wild Wood: 25 Years on the Wrong Track,' a retrospective of 'Wildes Holz,' 'Soul at the Cathedral' with Soultyzer, Andreas Scholl's exploration of English folk traditions, and an intriguing 'Strau$$' program by Mnozil Brass. From romantic piano highlights by Fabian Müller to Brett Dean's Australian compositions, the festival promises an unforgettable musical journey through time and culture.

Celebrating the Rheingau Musik Festival: A Journey Through Diverse Soundscapes

When the three brothers of Bidla Buh meet for the "Festival of Love," Advent becomes a fast-paced and crazy sleigh ride through Christmas songs. The Hamburg boys present themselves as a classical boys' choir or recorder trio, amaze with a tap dance to Bing Crosby's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," and celebrate the Christmas feast with a virtuoso performance on plates and pots. With festive, jubilant trumpets, a delicate marzipan-like voice, soothing jazz guitar, or stoic drumming, the three charmers delight their audience at Schloss Johannisberg with less pre-Christmas contemplation, but instead with plenty of Advent fun. Christmas with Bidla Buh, what a present!

Bidla Buh: “Advent, Advent, the cactus is burning…”

Schloss Johannisberg

The final event will be a guest who is one of the leading experts on art in general and German cultural history in particular: Neil MacGregor, former director of the British Museum and founding director of the Berlin Humboldt Forum, but above all author of the enthusiastically received books "A History of the World in One Hundred Objects," "Shakespeare's Restless World," and "Germany - Memories of a Nation." Since coming to Hamburg as a Scottish exchange student at the age of 16, Neil MacGregor has studied Germany intensively, and the Rheingau as a cultural landscape has been close to his heart, even through William Turner's paintings. In conversation with Andreas Platthaus, artistic director of the Rheingau Literature Festival and literary editor of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, MacGregor will delve into the myth of this region and offer a British perspective on Germany.

Neil MacGregor: “Germany – Memories of a Nation”

Relais & Châteaux Hotel Burg Schwarzenstein

The fourth of this year's Rheingau Literature Prize winners is a legend of contemporary German literature: Sten Nadolny, who rose to world fame in 1983 with his novel "The Discovery of Slowness" and our 2012 award winner for "Weitling's Summer Resort." His latest novel, simply titled "Autumn Story," is about an actor and his writer friend who meet a young woman on a trip to Zurich. She appears to be on the run from something, possesses an unusual gift, and is simultaneously wrestling with a traumatic family history. Sten Nadolny's reading from this wise novel about friendship, deep wounds, and the importance of art will also be his first from the then-newly published book. We look forward to the returning grandmaster.

Sten Nadolny: “Autumn Story”

WALD.WEIT Rheingau Hotel & Retreat

"My Fifth Symphony is a cursed work. Nobody understands it," Gustav Mahler noted in frustration after conducting a performance of his Fifth. He had long struggled with the final form of this work. And for good reason: Mahler's Fifth Symphony symbolizes a turning point – and is today one of his most popular works. From the somber funeral march opening to the radiant final chorale, this masterpiece offers a journey through melancholy, passion, and triumph. The famous Adagietto, a declaration of love to his wife Alma, in particular, will envelop the basilica in delicate sounds and create unforgettable moments. Mahler's richly contrasting soundscapes are in the best hands with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden: As one of the oldest and most renowned orchestras in the world, it maintains a performance tradition that began during the composer's lifetime. Under the direction of its new chief conductor Daniele Gatti, the Staatskapelle concludes the 38th Rheingau Music Festival with Mahler's monumental fifth symphony, full of color and incomparable interpretive artistry.

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Final concert

Eberbach Abbey

A Spanish flair pervades the expanse of the Rheingau region – a unique and exclusive combination of the award-winning Azahar Ensemble, the celebrated violinist Javier Comesaña, and the outstanding pianist Juan Pérez Floristán. With a program as diverse as it is artistically high, featuring works by de Falla, Chabrier, Liszt, and Ravel, as well as a special arrangement of numbers from Bizet's "Carmen" for wind quintet and piano, the Spanish musicians offer a promising sound experience that offers both big and small surprises from southern European music. Perfect conditions for a concert fiesta in the Fürst-von-Metternich Hall of Schloss Johannisberg!

Spanish Chamber Music Night

He has been familiar to Rheingau audiences for many years: As a former Focus artist and regular festival guest since 2011, Igor Levit has delighted audiences time and again with a wide variety of programs. This summer, he returns with Beethoven's First Piano Concerto. He has long engaged with this work intensively, having recorded all of the composer's piano concertos. The Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – Roma, under the direction of Daniel Harding, complements Levit's interpretation of Beethoven with Johannes Brahms's Second Symphony, a work rich in contrasts that oscillates between natural idyll and melancholic seriousness, embracing all the colors of Brahms's compositional artistry.

Igor Levit, piano Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Roma Daniel Harding, conductor

Friedrich-von-Thiersch-Saal

"Everything I've written so far, and which you've unfortunately printed, you can now pulp! My collected works begin with Carmina Burana!" Carl Orff was proud of the choral work he presented to his publisher and the music world in 1937 – there's no doubt about that. He also created a magnificent opus magnum: his settings of the medieval "Songs from Benediktbeuern" soar across time yet draw on life itself. With both tender colors and ecstatic sounds, the famous work, which will be presented to audiences this year by the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Cologne Citizens' Choir under the direction of our featured artist Andrés Orozco-Estrada, tells of fate, nature throughout the year, and love and desire.

Carl Orff: “Carmina Burana”

"There are countertenors and there is Mr. Jaroussky." There is nothing to add to the New York Times' verdict. Philippe Jaroussky is in a class of his own. His crystal-clear voice, incredibly flexible vocal delivery, and velvety timbre are simply fantastic. It's clear: He is one of the greatest singers of our time. But the fact that Philippe Jaroussky's voice is anything but mainstream allows him great freedom. And he takes it gladly, because committing to a specific repertoire is not his thing. That's why he regularly treats himself and his enthusiastic listeners to far-reaching excursions into surprising soundscapes, which are illuminated with touching sensuality by his finely crafted interpretations. His program, which he brings to Wiesbaden together with harpist Angélique Mauillon, is also extremely sensual: tenderly melting arias and madrigals from the early Baroque period tell of the sorrows and joys of love.

Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor Angélique Mauillon, harp

Evangelical Ring Church Congregation

Four masters of their craft, eight nimble hands, and 352 piano keys create a unique piano sound: When these pianists join together to form an unusual quartet, it's hard to resist their fascination. With their unique combination of virtuosity and expressiveness, as well as their diverse repertoire, ranging from faithful transcriptions to new compositions and improvisations, they inevitably captivate the audience. With a program specially compiled for this evening, the quartet presents not only works by its namesake, but also by Johann Strauss, Sergei Prokofiev, and, in keeping with this year's composer focus, Maurice Ravel.

Gershwin Piano Quartet

Alexander Malofeev captivates audiences worldwide with his exceptional piano playing, strong expression, and technical brilliance. His interpretations of the classical and romantic repertoire are internationally celebrated, as reflected in his numerous awards and guest appearances with renowned orchestras, as well as invitations to the world's most prestigious concert halls. Last year, he thrilled audiences in the Prince von Metternich Hall of Johannisberg Castle with an impressive piano recital full of sonic intensity, receiving a standing ovation. That's why we insisted on inviting the winner of the 2014 International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians to the Rheingau again this year, performing a virtuoso program with works by Schubert, Liszt, Scriabin, and others.

Alexander Malofeev, piano

"Young artists need people who believe in them. Now I want to be a mentor to the new generation of musicians," says Candy Dulfer, who gratefully reflects on the initial support of her father, Dave Stewart, and Prince. "I'm thrilled to have been able to introduce new talent at the Rheingau Music Festival for many years. This time, it's all about the dialogue between the generations, and I'll be performing with the two siblings Justin-Lee, who masters all instruments, and Jamie-Leigh Schultz, a fantastic drummer and bassist. Both have played with stars like Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, and Robert Glasper. My youngest guest is bassist Aronthebassist. Despite his young age, his playing reminds me of Jaco Pastorius and other jazz greats. Together, we'll discover what we can learn from each other and present a fantastic concert in the Kurpark Wiesbaden."

Candy Dulfer: “Candy & the Kids”

Kurpark

Juan de la Rubia masters organ music like few others. The likeable Spaniard not only delights international audiences in concert halls from Europe to South America with the great classical organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, but also impresses as an organist, pianist, and harpsichordist with modern improvisations and magnificent arrangements of organ literature. In addition to his concert activities, the Castellón-born musician is the organist at the famous Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Just as unique as his workplace in the Catalan capital is the organ on which he will make his debut at this year's Rheingau Music Festival: the instrument in the Church of St. Martin in Lorch not only has a magnificent sound, but also the unique "Riesling register" with its chirping tones, two wine glasses, and a bottle of Riesling. This evening promises an enticing composition of new impressions, excellent organ playing, and magnificently sonorous tradition.

Juan de la Rubia, organ

Church of St. Martin

What does this calculation result in: 60 fingers plus 270 keys plus 600 buttons plus virtuosity times six? Clearly, it's a more than explosive mixture of sounds. Martynas Levickis's trademark is to seek out musical partnerships where the sonic distance from the accordion is as great as possible. But with the Ensemble Axos, he relies entirely on his own family of instruments. He founded the ensemble with five outstanding accordion colleagues, and together they demonstrate how easily a six-piece can compete with even a large orchestra. If an accordion on its own already has a seemingly endless palette of colors up its sleeve, then this special six-pack delivers even more beguiling sonic surprises. In the Johann Strauss year, Martynas Levickis and his Ensemble Axos will embark on this unique evening into the wonderful world of dance, bringing everything from the Baltic Sea to Vienna and the Balkans to the Rheingau that goes straight from the ears to the legs.

Martynas Levickis, accordion ensemble AXOS

Whether magical journeys to mystical places, epic battles in distant galaxies, or mysterious explorations into long-forgotten realms – with his legendary compositions, John Williams miraculously makes the visible audible. In this art, the internationally acclaimed Anne-Sophie Mutter, a friend of the composer, is in no way inferior to him: With her radiant violin sounds, she presents musical worlds that invite you to marvel and dream in John Williams' Violin Concerto No. 2, which was composed especially for her. She is supported by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Vasily Petrenko. The British orchestra, which repeatedly delights audiences with impressive soundtracks for video games, films, and television, is known above all for its transcendent interpretations. The perfect conditions, therefore, to bring the powerful cinematic sounds of multiple Oscar and Grammy award winner John Williams to life in all their glory in Wiesbaden's Kurpark this evening.

“Across the Stars” Anne-Sophie Mutter plays John Williams

In this concert, we bring together four outstanding musicians who, together, embrace the Classical era and perform rarely heard chamber music works. The resulting program presents the great geniuses of Viennese Classicism – namely Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven – in all their facets. The four virtuosos of this evening are united not only by their love of chamber music, but also by the fact that they are all part of the festival family, some for a long time. In trio or quartet, the four explore the music of the three great Classical composers, enveloping the Fürst-von-Metternich-Saal in the splendor of bygone Viennese times.

Ana de la Vega, flute Veronika Eberle, violin Nils Mönkemeyer, viola Maximilian Hornung, cello

Ever since winning the 2021 Warsaw Chopin Competition, Bruce Liu has been one of the most sought-after pianists of our time. At the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, last year's Focus Artist, together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Vasily Petrenko, presents a demanding program that impressively demonstrates the close connection between music and storytelling. The program focuses on three masterpieces that transform stories into sound in very different ways: Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1," famous for its iconic "Morning Mood," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade," inspired by the fairy tales from "One Thousand and One Nights," and Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini," which shines with virtuoso brilliance.

Bruce Liu, piano Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Vasily Petrenko, conductor

A professional career as a pianist was long out of the question for him – now Giorgi Gigashvili is conquering Europe's major stages with his excellent piano playing. The winner of the 2024 Music Prize of the Cultural Circle of German Business interprets both classical and contemporary works in a refreshingly individual way, bringing the complexity and emotions of the music to life. Critics and music lovers around the world praise him as one of the most exciting young artists, whose career promises a promising future. After numerous awards, including 1st Prize at the 2019 Vigo International Piano Competition and 2nd Prize at the 2023 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, the young Georgian is now celebrating his debut at the Rheingau Music Festival and will present a virtuoso program with works by Prokofiev, Brahms, and Chopin.

Giorgi Gigashvili, piano

A little over ten years ago, Thomas Quasthoff left the classical music genre and has since turned more to jazz. "I had a wonderful time as a classical musician and loved being able to do my work at such a high level. I've always sung jazz, but I never had enough time for it," he confessed in an interview with Stern magazine. But now he has the time – and that has been a stroke of luck for the jazz world for several years now! Together with Simon Oslender on the piano and the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt under the direction of Jens Troester, the long-time festival friend will present a musical homage to Frank Sinatra this evening at the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, in which a magnificent voice meets great hits.

Thomas Quasthoff sings Frank Sinatra

Together with the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, we were privileged to celebrate the conclusion of the last Rheingau Music Festival in style. We would like to continue what ended with standing ovations in 2024 this year, and are therefore inviting the orchestra, founded by Claudio Abbado in 1986, back to the Basilica of Eberbach Monastery at the end of August. Under the direction of Manfred Honeck, the young musicians will enchant us this year with Mozart's brilliant Third Violin Concerto and Bruckner's impressive Ninth Symphony. Joining us on stage for this concert will be this year's featured artist, Renaud Capuçon. His exceptional musicality, paired with the captivating passion and joy of Europe's leading youth orchestra, promise an evening full of youthful enthusiasm.

Renaud Capuçon, violin Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra Manfred Honeck, conductor

This is Katerina Poladjan's first reading in the Rheingau since her novel "Zukunftsmusik" (Music of the Future), about life in a Soviet Russian communal village, which won the festival's Literature Prize in 2022. Its sequel, "Golden Sands," takes us to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. There, starting in the 1950s, a holiday resort was built, called Golden Sands, planned as a shining vision of a place in the sun for all. Eli was conceived on this construction site. Sixty years later, he was lying on the couch of an analyst in Rome. He remembers, speculates, and fantasizes about his family history, which stretches through an entire century and across the European continent, encountering the ideas of the past as ruins of unfulfilled promises. Once again, Katerina Poladjan speaks about our present through the past. The evening at the Rheingau Literature Festival will be the premiere reading from "Golden Sands."

Katerina Poladjan: “Golden Sands”

Villa Belvedere

Oh dear! Tarzahn is all alone in the deepest jungle, surrounded by snakes, baobab trees, and lianas, but he still hasn't found his big brother! And to make matters worse, he now has a toothache. Perhaps Corni, Trombi, and Tröti, the three merry fellows with trumpet, horn, and trombone, can help. But they're upset too, because there's been a complete ban on music in the jungle for a short time, and more and more instruments are mysteriously disappearing. Now it all depends on the jungle fairy! Can she save Tarzahn and his animal companions at the last minute? Together with our young audience, the friends set off on a musical jungle adventure – and one thing is fortunately certain: There will be a happy ending, and then everyone will sing, celebrate, and laugh together!

“Tarzahn has caries”

Antje Rávik Strubel won the Rheingau Literature Prize in 2007, followed by the German Book Prize in 2021 for her novel "Blue Woman." Four years later, her sequel is complete, and the Potsdam-based author is performing in the Rheingau for the third time. The new novel is titled "The Influence of the Pheasants," and its plot could be described as a psychological thriller: a Berlin cultural journalist is accused of driving a prominent theater director to his death through her reporting. But anyone familiar with Antje Rávik Strubel's books will suspect that this is about more than individual guilt. It is a darkly humorous novel in the spirit of Nabokov. The protagonist's handling of the accusations creates a picture of a society inflamed and agitated by the media. For the journalist, it nevertheless represents the promise of a new life.

Antje Rávik Strubel: “The influence of pheasants”

They are still young, yet already major artists. But gaining a foothold in the concert world isn't always easy, and so the Rheingau Music Festival has made it its mission to discover and promote talented musicians and accompany them on their first steps on the major concert stage – and has been doing so since 1997! In chamber music formations or as soloists, these young talents gather on the Johannisberg Palace Stage for a diverse concert evening in the Fürst-von-Metternich Hall, presenting their outstanding talent in a wide variety of ensembles. And what a wonderful affirmation it is for the festival organizers to see how the Rheingau stage has become a springboard to major careers for so many talented musicians.

Classical Marathon

Uncovering commonalities rather than emphasizing differences: In a bold sonic experiment, soprano Jeanette Köhn, an exquisite jazz ensemble led by trombonist Nils Landgren, and the chamber choir of the Wiesbaden Bach Choir come together to place well-known works by Bach and other Baroque composers in a new context. Their artistic tools: a sense of style, sensitivity, mutual listening, and, last but not least, masterful mastery of instrument and voice. The result: a sonic revelation for jazz and classical music lovers alike. Rarely has crossover been experienced so pure and clear!

“New Eyes on Baroque” with Nils Landgren

Luther Church Wiesbaden

Anyone who remembers Dmitrij Kapitelman's side-splitting Rheingau performance three years ago will probably have been eagerly awaited by the new novel by the author, who was born in Kyiv in 1986 and has lived in Germany since the age of eight. Kapitelman draws the material for his novels from his own biography, including "Russian Specialties." In the face of the war in Ukraine, the ideas of the first-person narrator, an avowed Putin detractor, and the unwavering enthusiasm for Russia of his opinionated mother clash. When the young man returns to his hometown of Kyiv and thus enters a war zone, the previously burlesque plot becomes the narrative of an existential experience – without, however, losing Kapitelman's characteristic sense of humor and his love of wordplay, which results from his bilingualism. An evening that is as funny as it is informative is guaranteed.

Dmitrij Kapitelman: “Russian Specialties”

One concert, two grand pianos, 176 keys – the setting alone makes this event in the impressive Fürst-von-Metternich Hall impressive. When two completely different musical worlds collide, yet harmonize perfectly on both a musical and human level, a new, shared soundscape emerges that must be heard: Francesco Tristano, who is at home not only in classical but also in electronic music, and Marialy Pacheco, who captivates audiences from the very first second with her rhythmic and Latin American palette, create this seemingly incommensurable combination in their joint concert featuring original compositions as well as works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Ernesto Lecuona – and that is precisely what makes this extraordinary duo and their music so special.

“Pacheco meets Tristano”

To kick things off, we welcome Ursula Krechel, winner of the 2008 Rheingau Literature Prize. Her new novel, "Dear Minister," is a masterpiece that tells the story of three women whose fates are linked by something none of them could have expected: an assassination attempt on the book's title character. At the same time, Ursula Krechel combines this politically explosive contemporary story with a look at the Roman emperor's wife, Agrippina, the mother of the infamous Nero. A gap of two thousand years reveals constants in female life in male-dominated societies, but also reveals alternatives. With "Dear Minister," Ursula Krechel succeeds in maintaining her revealingly sharp view of history while simultaneously reinventing herself stylistically.

Ursula Krechel: “Dear Minister”

Draiser Hof

What makes good musical cabaret? Presenting classical music in a humorous way without denouncing it. And that is precisely the recipe for success of the duo Sabine Fischmann and Michael Quast. Based on thorough analysis of the work and joyful musicality, they sometimes resort to drastic means – to the delight of the audience – and caricature the operatic cast with wit and charm. After "The Bat" and "Don Giovanni," which they presented at the Salzburg Festival, for example, the program now features another blockbuster of operatic literature, "Carmen," which is based on Bizet's original version as an opéra comique with spoken dialogue. Naturally, it is about the eternally feminine, the eternally masculine, and the eternally snappy. The rebellious little bird that Carmen sings of love as is not plucked, but freed from the cage of operatic convention.

“Carmen à trois”

In two recent concerts at the Rheingau Music Festival, Justin Taylor, as part of the ensemble Le Consort, thrilled the audience and us so much that we invited him to a solo recital this year. This evening, on the stage of St. Aegidius Church, he will present his album "Bach & l'Italie," which has won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or. In this program, he traces the musical connections between the counterpoint master Johann Sebastian Bach and Baroque Italy, embarking on a voyage of discovery through this artistic era. With tasteful refinement and outstanding feeling, Justin Taylor presents Bach's creative spirit and the Italian influences that the composer incorporated into his brilliant counterpoint and, in particular, his keyboard works. And the other way around, one can also hear a hint of Bach alongside the graceful touch of Italy in the harpsichord works of Benedetto Marcello or Antonio Valente.

“Bach & Italy”

Basilika St. Aegidius Mittelheim

Oh dear, what has Papageno gotten himself into? All he wants to do is trade the birds he caught for the Queen of the Night for something good to eat. But suddenly there's Prince Tamino, who's lost and whom the Queen promptly sends to free her daughter. Princess Pamina has been kidnapped by the evil Sarastro. Papageno has to come along and help Tamino – whether he wants to or not. Is Sarastro really such a nasty villain, or is it all just fake news from the nagging Queen? And: What does The Magic Flute have to do with it, and what's it all about? Juri Tetzlaff takes you on Tamino and Papageno's adventure. The KIKA presenter knows all the mysteries in and around Mozart's famous "Magic Flute." But without the audience, there can be no happy ending this time. So: Come along, join in, and marvel at how fantastic this great opera is!

“Yuri and the Magic Flute”

Eltville Castle

It's almost a tradition: Since 2022, the Hessen State Youth Jazz Orchestra, founded by Wolfgang Diefenbach in 1985 and touring the world, has been providing evenings full of groovy sounds of the highest caliber in the idyllic Schafhof Stud Farm. This time, the orchestra features a full-blooded musician, Laith Al-Deen, who sang his way to the top of the German charts in the 2000s with hits such as "Bilder von Dir," "Dein Lied," and "Keine wie Du." With his warm, expressive voice and authentic, approachable charisma, he transforms every concert into a sonic haven of well-being. We have already had the pleasure of experiencing both the likeable soul singer and the young ensemble in impressive concerts at the Rheingau Music Festival. Now, they are finally on stage together, delivering rousing jazz sounds in the summery surroundings of the picturesque stud farm in Kronberg.

Laith Al-Deen, vocals State Youth Jazz Orchestra Hessen Ed Partyka, conductor

Gestüt Schafhof

His career began as a member of the Vienna Boys' Choir, but his love of the piano won out: After successfully completing his studies and winning first prize at the prestigious ARD Music Competition in 2022, he was named an ECHO Rising Star for the 2024/25 season in spring 2023, including a recital tour throughout Europe – Lukas Sternath has what it takes for a great career. The young pianist has chosen none other than Igor Levit as his mentor, who will support him with advice and support throughout his pianistic career. Following his successful debut at the Rheingau Music Festival 2023, the Austrian will once again honor us with a special concert evening, presenting a selection of virtuoso works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Liszt. Just like the specialist press, we agree: the young pianist is capable of bringing a passion and freshness to his interpretations that you should experience for yourself.

Lukas Sternath, piano

For over twenty years, he has been a regular guest at the Rheingau Music Festival, delighting audiences with chamber music performances or solo performances in large orchestral concerts: Renaud Capuçon, one of the great violin virtuosos of our time. With his position as Artistic Director of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne, which he assumed for the 2021/22 season, this year's featured artist combines his love of chamber music with the orchestral sound. An ensemble like the Lausanne ensemble is capable of conjuring up both intimate chamber music moments and full-throated sonic frenzy. The perfect conditions, then, for the interpretation of the two musical milestones – Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and Beethoven's Fifth – which will be performed this evening at the Kurhaus Wiesbaden.

Renaud Capuçon, violin & direction of the Orchester de Chambre de Lausanne

Fancy some festive sounds? The Baroque period offers plenty of them. Simon Höfele, the 2020 OPUS KLASSIK award winner, demonstrates this evening that the trumpet can also contribute to the festive atmosphere. At his side and the main protagonist of this concert is the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Germany's oldest chamber orchestra, which will strike familiar Baroque tones in this program. With works by Bach and Handel, as well as Edvard Grieg's suite "From Holberg's Time," this evening with Simon Höfele, the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, and the French violinist Muriel Cantoreggi promises to be a festive sound experience in the basilica of Eberbach Abbey.

Festive baroque and trumpet sounds

The three musicians of Mighty Oaks went their separate ways for two years – and have now reunited for their 2024 album "High Times." Unvarnished, authentic, and honest, the album was created in a five-day live session in Ian Hooper's living room. Hooper, the band's singer and guitarist, is convinced that sticking to the core of their music has done the Mighty Oaks good – and for their new album, less is more. For bassist Craig Saunders, the great advantage of "High Times" is that when you listen, you feel like you're right there. You can be captivated by the warmth and intimacy of the songs and feel a certain familiarity. Mighty Oaks want to make music that everyone can understand, no matter what stage of life they are at. After the three thrilled the audience in the Kurpark Wiesbaden in 2022, they now envelop the dreamlike Schafhof stud farm in Kronberg in delicate yet powerful folk sounds with their enchantingly beautiful songs that speak of love, pain and friendship.

Mighty Oaks: “High Times 2025”

Even the greatest artists started small and learned from their masters. This is also the case with this year's featured artist, Thibaut Garcia. The talented student eventually became a teacher who is now passionately dedicated to fostering new talent. Thanks to his commitment, we are able to experience not just one, but five guitars on stage this evening. In their varied program, ranging from Ravel and Bizet to a selection of Spanish composers, the young guitarists not only pay tribute to their teacher's roots but also build on his charismatic, virtuoso playing. We are looking forward to this exclusive concert evening and can't wait to see what the future generation of exceptional guitarists has in store for their audience.

Thibaut Garcia presents young talents

When invited to the Italian Night in the cloister of Eberbach Monastery, names like Vivaldi, Geminiani, and Respighi are a must. These names alone evoke Italian elegance and light-footed virtuosity. The music performed this evening also reflects this. With their playing, cellists Kian Soltani and Pablo Ferrández demonstrate what it means to play music with temperament and virtuoso brilliance. At their side: the Cologne Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Muriel Cantoreggi, transforming this evening into a summer serenade full of Italian joie de vivre.

Italian Night

This year, the party atmosphere will be on again when the Funk Unit, led by Nils Landgren and his red trombone, rocks the Schafhof stud farm. Following their concert two years ago on the lake stage in the impressive gardens of Vollrads Castle, these dedicated musicians are back this year at the Rheingau Music Festival, where they have already warmed up their audiences several times in the past. As always, brilliant brass sections alternate with ecstatic solos, and with danceable beats, brilliant tempo increases, cool vocals, and powerful melodies, this dream team of sweaty funk workers gets the crowd going. This band celebrates the groove – join in the fun!

Nils Landgren Funk Unit

Especially in this day and age, understanding and cooperation across cultural and political boundaries are of enormous social importance. One orchestra that not only bears these virtues in its name, but also puts them into practice and carries them out into the world is the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: It brings together musicians from Israel, Palestine, and other countries in the Middle East and stands – as a powerful symbol and indispensable sign – for the dialogue between cultures and the power of music to build bridges and overcome barriers. This outstanding orchestra will be joined by the internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang, who will present Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's First Piano Concerto this evening. This will be followed by Beethoven's "Eroica," a monumental work whose revolutionary spirit and heroic themes are considered an expression of the striving for freedom and humanity.

Lang Lang, piano West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Daniel Barenboim, conductor

For Gustav Mahler, summertime meant time to compose. He composed his Fourth Symphony in the few summer months of 1899 and 1900. Catchy themes and his Wunderhorn song "Das himmlische Leben," used in the fourth movement and considered the basis of the work, make this symphony one of Mahler's most popular today. But appearances are deceptive. Mahler provocatively juxtaposes idyll and abyss, and in the finale, addresses the transition from earthly to heavenly life. In the basilica of Eberbach Abbey, the German Youth Orchestra—Germany's youngest musical elite—will perform this intimate work together with Israeli soprano Rachel Frenkel and conductor Dirk Kaftan. The symphony will be preceded by Fazıl Say's overture for orchestra "Ana Tanrıça," which premiered in 2018.

Gustav Mahler : Symphony No. 4 G major

This year's festival summer not only celebrates Spain's music and artists, but also the 150th birthday of Maurice Ravel. In addition to his innovative orchestration, the French composer is known for his colorful and rhythmically sophisticated works with a Spanish influence. Ravel repeatedly focuses on one instrument: the saxophone. He greatly appreciated the instrument's sonic possibilities and played a key role in establishing it in classical music. Reason enough to offer a stage to both the up-and-coming saxophone quartet Kebyart and the French composer in this concert. The Catalan ensemble will be accompanied by award-winning pianist Juan Pérez Floristán. In addition to Ravel, this exclusive line-up will also present music by Rameau and the Spaniard Joan Pérez-Villegas, thus building a musical bridge between the two neighboring countries.

“Spanish Rhapsody”

It's pure "soul food," says Stewart Goodyear of his suite for piano and orchestra entitled "Callaloo." He wanted to create a musical tribute to his Caribbean roots. With a blend of jazz, African, and French influences, which for him are the musical heart of Trinidad, the Havana Lyceum Orchestra imports Caribbean sound to Wiesbaden in this unique concert project. The orchestra's specialty: transforming a classical concert hall into a truly exuberant atmosphere. There's no question that this year's guest performance will also feature plenty of rhythm and son, plenty of Cuba, and even more enthusiasm.

Stewart Goodyear, piano Havana Lyceum Orchestra José Antonio Méndez Padrón, conductor

What began in 2023 will reach its culmination this year: In a three-year cycle, which can only be experienced here, we have embarked on a musical journey through Beethoven's violin sonatas together with the two audience favorites, Bomsori Kim on violin and Fabian Müller on piano. Over the past two years, Bomsori Kim and Fabian Müller have thrilled audiences with their passionate interpretations and virtuoso skills, thus bringing the famous composer's legacy to the Rheingau region. Now we are approaching the brilliant climax of this special cycle with three more of his impressive sonatas and cordially invite you to experience this timelessly fine music in the beautiful Fürst von Metternich Hall of Schloss Johannisberg.

Bomsori Kim, violin Fabian Müller, piano

A horn masterclass in Havana? Sounds unusual to European ears. Sarah Willis, too, was skeptical about what to expect when she was invited to teach at the Lyceum Mozartiano de la Habana in 2017. But what she experienced with the horn class there has left a lasting impression on her musical soul: an enthusiasm, a passion for the horn, and a musicality rarely encountered. It was the birth of the Havana Horns, with whom the Berlin resident has since become a close-knit team. "I adore them," Willis enthuses about her fellow musicians in this special ensemble. Indeed: You simply have to love this group for their creativity, their impressive talent, and their infectious open-mindedness. We say: Bienvenido de nuevo al Rheingau, Havana Horns! And we look forward to a special chamber music experience, the likes of which one rarely hears in this form.

Havana Horns & Friends Sarah Willis, horn & moderation

Sometimes you just have to meet the right people: In the case of pianist Roman Borisov, it was thanks to his kindergarten teacher that he was introduced to the legendary piano teacher Mary Lebenzon at the Novosibirsk Conservatory at the age of four, who accompanied him musically until 2020. The lessons paid off, as he won several important competitions and awards as a child. In 2022, Roman Borisov won first prize at the Kissinger KlavierOlymp as the youngest participant – causing a sensation in the piano world. With his natural stage presence and his intuitive yet highly focused interpretations, he is currently securing his place in the world of classical music. In our "Excellent!" series, he will make his debut at the Rheingau Music Festival this year with an impressive program.

Roman Borisov, piano

Sarah Willis returned from her first trip to Cuba full of longing – for a country full of warm sunshine, exuberant joie de vivre, and a burning enthusiasm for music in all its forms. This love at first sight has since given rise to intense musical friendships. The numerous and always extremely fruitful collaborations with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra have become projects close to the heart of the horn player. Sarah Willis – in her other artistic life a horn player with the Berlin Philharmonic – has long since infected the Rheingau with her enthusiasm for Cuba. That's why we can hardly wait to finally experience a true Caribbean feeling on our stages again. This time in a Cuban frenzy: Eberbach Monastery, whose historic walls can prepare for spirited rhythms and infectious energy as Sarah Willis takes the audience to her adopted musical home.

Cuban Night

For four years now, we've found a guarantee of hand-crafted musical entertainment, lots of fun, and a good mood in the Rheingau cult band Beat Box. Whatever you're looking for from the unforgettable era of the 1960s – be it the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and many more – Beat Box covers them all. There's no question that the musicians will be back next summer. Their concerts not only celebrate the "Golden Sixties," but also music from the 1970s and 1980s. And groove along to the band's interpretations of the era's unparalleled hits in the private garden of Vollrads Castle.

Twilight drink with Beat Box

Weingut Schloss Vollrads

Fancy a musical dreamliner? Then please fasten your seatbelts, take off, and let yourself be entertained! The flight attendants: three delightful ladies with charm, humor, and swing in their voices. The Airlettes accompany their audience on musical flights of fancy. "Close Harmony" is their favorite style, and the swing era is their preferred time of travel. With exuberant spirit and fervent curiosity, they drift from destination to era, from style to genre, from jazz to rockabilly. The promise: everything familiar, yet unheard of! In their current program, they choose the 90s as their destination. Off we go to the era of boy bands and cheeky girls.

The Airlettes

Baiken by Schröer

Described by Carl Friedrich Zelter as "the greatest work of art the world has ever seen," Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B minor remains the Baroque master's most frequently performed composition, even ahead of his St. Matthew Passion. Bach spent almost half his life working on this masterpiece, which the Tenebrae Choir and the Basel Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Short, will perform with equal mastery in the basilica of Eberbach Abbey. Since 2019, the choir, to which we awarded the Rheingau Music Prize in 2023, has delighted audiences at the Rheingau Music Festival every year and will demonstrate this evening why Bach's Mass in B minor is one of the absolute highlights of his oeuvre and one of the most important sacred compositions of all time.

Bach: Mass in B minor

A magnificent success story continues here – because "Mozart y Mambo" can do even more! This evening, Sarah Willis and the Havana Lyceum Orchestra present a unique blend of works by Mozart, Bizet's "Carmen," and Cuban compositions. Their approach to the works of European classical music: not overly intellectual and analytical, but fresh, passionate, and from the gut. Sarah Willis likes to say: "This is one of my favorite orchestras in the world." The celebrated horn player and the Cubans have since grown together into an artistic family and have already brought several of their own programs to the Rheingau Music Festival. Always with classical music, but always with a touch of Cuba in their luggage: With beguiling rhythms, the music in these concerts starts dancing and sweeps the audience along!

Sarah Willis, horn & moderation Havana Lyceum Orchestra José Antonio Méndez Padrón, direction

Three exceptional talents who have repeatedly captivated Rheingau audiences with their musicality return – this time in a unique constellation: Anastasia Kobekina, who shone with technical brilliance and musical depth in several concerts last year as a Focus Artist; Jordan Victoria, who has already performed twice at the Rheingau Music Festival with the Quatuor Arod; and this year's Focus Artist, Thibaut Garcia, with his warm guitar sounds. In this exclusive line-up of guitar, violin, and cello, they now take the stage together for the first time, bringing masterpieces by Paganini, Piazzolla, Granados, de Fossa, and other composers to life.

Thibaut Garcia, Gitarre Jordan Victoria, Violine Anastasia Kobekina, Violoncello

Whether jazz, pop, classical, grooves, or funk – the six members of the internationally acclaimed a cappella ensemble SLIXS impress with their exceptional talent, presenting a firework of timbres, onomatopoeia, and vocal percussion in their concerts. They coax a sound from their mouths that has captivated many icons of the a cappella scene: "Your style is unique," praised legendary singer Ward Swingle. The five-time winners of the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award charmingly turn the a cappella genre's listening habits on their head. This year, they celebrate their debut at the Rheingau Music Festival – and we cordially invite you to join them!

SLIXS

Some call Dee Dee Bridgewater the legitimate successor to the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. And rightly so! She is a master of jazz singing in all its many forms. Passionate and full of energy, she demonstrates this time and again in a wide variety of formations – from performances with large orchestras to exquisite duo evenings. In musical symphony with pianist Carmen Staaf, who has already worked with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Fred Hersch, our Focus Jazz artist presents herself at her third and final concert this summer on the Wiesbaden Kurhaus stage. This evening promises jazz in its purest form – an experience not to be missed!

Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocals Carmen Staaf, piano

Candy Dulfer: LIKEMINDS is a duo from Amsterdam consisting of singer and producer Tjerk Lammers (LYMA) and producer and multi-instrumentalist Lucas van Ee (Rebiere). The duo has now evolved into a multi-piece band, presenting a fresh blend of soul, funk, hip hop, electronic elements, and a touch of groovy disco influences. LYMA's expressive vocals, paired with Rebiere's soulful saxophone melodies, create a unique and infectious sound. With their debut single "Hands Up" and two albums under their belt, they have more than enough material to captivate an audience for an entire evening. I'm delighted to recommend this unforgettable live experience to you next summer!

Candy Dulfer recommends... LIKEMINDS

Weingut Künstler

Andalusia captivates not only with its landscapes, cities, and beaches, but also with its multifaceted musical culture. From the sound of the classical Spanish guitar to folk music rich in cultural depth and passionate flamenco, a musical diversity unfolds here that brings tradition and history to life. As one of the most brilliant representatives of the new flamenco generation, Andrés Barrios will interpret a blend of classical Spanish works, jazz, and flamenco music in a concert that combines tradition and modernity. Accompanied by his ensemble colleagues on bass and percussion, as well as flamenco dancer Sara Sánchez, the audience will be swept into the heart of a country full of passion and mystery with every note and movement.

Magical sounds from Andalusia

Whether at prestigious competitions or on major stages, Andrea Cicalese on violin and Antonio del Castillo on accordion are among the rising young talents of the music scene, consistently captivating their audiences with their technical brilliance and musical maturity. Having performed as young talents at last year's Classical Music Marathon at Schloss Johannisberg, they now present themselves on two evenings with a promising program brimming with youthful passion, freshness, and virtuosity, featuring works by Bach, Bartók, and Debussy, among others.

Andrea Cicalese, violin Antonio Del Castillo, accordion

Hessian State Chancellery

A southern flair pervades the Rheingau region – and for good reason: This year, we're dedicating a special focus to the land of passionate guitar sounds. As one of the most important Spanish composers of our time and the guitar's most important advocate, Joaquín Rodrigo, with his "Concierto de Aranjuez," the epitome of the guitar concerto, is a must. At the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, we're preparing a concert fiesta for the great composer, just as he would have loved it – performed by the country's young musical talent, the Joven Orquesta Nacional de España, and Thibaut Garcia, hailed by the press as the "new face of the classical guitar." Strong words! But anyone who has experienced the soulful playing of this year's featured artist will wholeheartedly agree.

Thibaut Garcia, guitar Joven Orquesta Nacional de España Nuno Coelho, conductor

With his precise technique and his virtuoso yet sensitive playing, he received standing ovations at his two debut concerts last year at the Rheingau Music Festival. A repeat invitation was therefore a mere formality. Hayato Sumino, better known as "Cateen," is truly an exceptional talent: he composes, arranges, improvises, masters his instrument at the highest level, and also holds a degree in engineering. His videos have been viewed over 176 million times on YouTube – like no other, he bridges the gap between performances on major international stages and the social media world, thus winning over not only classical music lovers as fans as a classical pianist. We are particularly looking forward to this year's guest performance by this young piano talent in the amateur dormitory of Eberbach Monastery, which offers a program that is as varied as it is virtuosic. The focus is on Johann Sebastian Bach, whose works will be related to other compositions this evening.

Hayato Sumino: “Reimagine”

Candy Dulfer: The talented pianist, singer, and composer Tizaan Alphonso brings a very personal and exciting blend of soul, R&B, jazz, and funk to the stage. With Portuguese roots, born in California and raised in a musical family in Mumbai, Tizaan is truly a citizen of the world. We met while studying at the Maastricht Conservatory. I immediately recognized his talent and featured him on my weekly radio show on Sublime. So get ready for a groovy and jazzy evening with the Tizaan Alphonso Collective!

Candy Dulfer recommends... Tizaan Alphonso Collective

Palma de Mallorca meets Barcelona—at least in the form of the two Spanish virtuosos Francisco Fullana and Alba Ventura. But their predominantly Spanish program also combines—figuratively speaking—idyllic island life with the vibrant metropolis: The two talents, who have joined forces for a CD recording in 2023, bring with them works such as Joaquín Turina's atmospheric "Sonata española," Enrique Granado's spirited violin sonata, and Pablo de Sarasate's famous and fiery "Zigeunerweisen." And not only Spanish, but also passionate French sounds by Francis Poulenc and Maurice Ravel will be heard at their exclusive concert debut at Schloss Johannisberg.

Francisco Fullana, violin Alba Ventura, piano

Candy Dulfer: Toine is a talented guitarist and singer with a dynamic stage presence and a unique sound that blends pop with subtle jazz and funk influences. Slowly but surely, Toine is gaining recognition for his soulful and infectious sound, as evidenced by his approximately 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and performances at renowned venues such as the North Sea Jazz Festival. When I saw him live at a Dutch festival, his musicality immediately captivated me. I'm very proud and excited to introduce him to the Rheingau Music Festival audience!

Candy Dulfer recommends... Toine

It seems as if the accordion is the true king of versatility. Whether folk, classical, or baroque – it can be used for a wide variety of styles and timbres, but especially for one musical genre: the tango. So, when we turn our focus to Martynas Levickis and his multifaceted instrument, we cannot fail to look to Argentina, the motherland of the tango. It is the homeland of Astor Piazzolla, who, along with the tango, brought the accordion into the concert halls. For Martynas Levickis, it is self-evident that Piazzolla and his Tango Nuevo belong there, confidently defying European classical music. So, together with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Susanne von Gutzeit, he ignites a musical firework display in the idyllic Eberbach cloister, celebrating the tango, Argentina, and South American temperament.

Argentine Night

Norway fascinates with its breathtaking fjords, untouched nature, and majestic expanses. But it's not just the country's scenic beauty that enchants; Norwegian music also offers a true treasure trove of dazzling and impressive sounds and melodies. Together with the Ensemble Barokkanerne, Norwegian violinist Ragnhild Hemsing will unfold the timeless beauty of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" this evening, while Norwegian folk music will fill the evening with mystical sounds and melancholic longing. As part of the Norwegian Night 2023, Ragnhild Hemsing already demonstrated that she can lend both the violin and the traditional Hardanger fiddle a moving voice that reveals the soul of Nordic music. In this concert, the audience can expect a unique combination of elegant Baroque and Nordic tradition – a world in which music reaches deep into the human experience.

Norwegian Night

Do Bach's "Goldberg Variations" help you sleep better? That, at least, was the idea behind the composition that Count von Keyserlingk commissioned from none other than Johann Sebastian Bach. He wanted a piece of music with a "gentle and somewhat lively character" that would make it easier for him to fall asleep. He hadn't expected that Bach would send him such an artistic, complex, and yet exciting masterpiece, whose balance between soulful sensitivity and supreme technical mastery is bound to hold anyone's breath. And that's even more true when these two are at work: Thibaut Garcia and Antoine Morinière, two outstanding virtuosos, have taken on the challenge of transposing Bach's magnificent piano work to twelve guitar strings. The result is so touchingly beautiful, and the perfect harmony of their instruments so impressive, that sleep is completely out of the question.

Bach: “Goldberg Variations”

There's a worm in this concert: A lively woodworm is burrowing through the bassoon, producing some very strange sounds. A case for Professor Dr. Dr. Dr. Kringelwurz! She speaks in a very strange, super-clever professorial language and has ideas that, instead of banishing the woodworm, are highly amusing. But with our combined forces and a few tricks, we will manage to gently but cordially expel the woodworm from the woodwind instruments. A broad palette of instruments and music will be featured: With bassoon and piano, flute and oboe, there are exciting works to discover from Bach and Beethoven to Shostakovich. An entertaining and interesting sound experience for our young audience!

“Woodworm Stories”

This summer, Finnish rock star and former Sunrise Avenue frontman Samu Haber is embarking on a major open-air tour in Germany, including a stop at the beautiful Kurpark in Wiesbaden. On his sold-out club tour across Europe, the "The Voice of Germany" judge already thrilled audiences with the hits from his first English-language solo album, "Me Free My Way," released in 2024. Now fans can look forward to unforgettable concert experiences this summer, as the exceptional artist takes the stage with his unmistakable voice and a concentrated dose of energy—the perfect opportunity to experience the likeable Finn up close in Wiesbaden!

Samu Haber

His works continue to fascinate the world over, and Maurice Ravel's ballet music "Boléro" was a particularly brilliant achievement. This year he would have turned 150 – reason enough for us to take a closer look at the life of this composer who was meticulous about detail and who strove for perfection. Accompanied by Mayumi Kanagawa on violin and Hideyo Harada on piano, German actor Devid Striesow will shed light on the life of the French composer, to whom we are devoting a special focus this year with numerous concerts. Look forward to a musical and literary program specially compiled for this evening, which will illuminate the many facets of Maurice Ravel's fascinating personality.

Musical and literary evening on Maurice Ravel

Tim Fischer honors the great chanson singer Hildegard Knef, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of December 2025, with a glamorous concert evening, embodying the cult star to the core. A truly heartfelt affair for the singing actor, who became a fan as a teenager and has always been fascinated and inspired by Knef's enormous range. Accompanied with stylish and virtuoso style by his excellent band, consisting of pianist, arranger, and musical director Mathias Weibrich, Lars Hansen on bass, and Bernd Oezsevim on drums, "the master of chanson," as Tim Fischer was dubbed by the Hannoversche Allgemeine newspaper, passionately immerses himself in the song world of the versatile artist.

So what! – Tim Fischer sings Hildegard Knef

Fiery passion has a name in music history: Carmen! Georges Bizet's opera has become a musical synonym for love, joie de vivre, and fatalism – and for the rapturous enthusiasm for Spain that gripped all of Paris from the mid-19th century onward. The accordion, in turn, is France's secret voice of the heart and is closely intertwined with French savoir-vivre, with valse musette, and the blend of lightness and melancholy. When our featured artist Martynas Levickis and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen immerse themselves in this Spanish-French world, what naturally belongs together comes together.

Martynas Levickis, accordion The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen Omer Meir Wellber, conductor

The success story of one of the world's most renowned brass ensembles, Canadian Brass, has been going strong for over 50 years. Collaborative creativity, individually accomplished musical talent, and the desire to explore all the possibilities of a pure brass ensemble have characterized this ensemble since its founding in 1970. The musicians amaze with the unexpected facets of their instruments, their humorous entertainment, and they don't take themselves or their music too seriously. With their varied program, ranging from traditional pieces with an Iberian flavor to well-known melodies from Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen," they transport audiences to our focus country, Spain.

Canadian Brass: “La pasion española”

In 2018, the music world was amazed: 11-year-old Christian Li presented himself in the final of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists as an outstanding virtuoso, mature interpreter, and charismatic ensemble leader. In addition to the first prize, he also secured two coveted special prizes and went down in the history of the famous competition as the youngest ever winner. Following his successful chamber music debut at the Rheingau Music Festival last year, we are delighted to present Christian Li's grand stage at the Kurhaus this season and welcome the up-and-coming violinist together with the Australian Youth Orchestra, which is considered an ambassador of musical excellence Down Under.

Christian Li, violin Australian Youth Orchestra David Robertson, conductor

Gregory Porter's unmistakable voice transforms every note on paper and every familiar or unfamiliar melody into musical gold. The charismatic baritone moves effortlessly between thrilling soul, exhilarating jazz, profound gospel, and R&B – and masters all of these genres masterfully. This diversity not only delights his audiences around the world, but also garners widespread acclaim from critics and the press. Numerous awards, including a Grammy in 2014 for his acclaimed album "Liquid Spirit," testify to the American's exceptional talent. With his incomparably warm vocal timbre, his relaxed yet captivating stage presence, and his signature headgear, Gregory Porter brings well-known hits and his own compositions to the stage at sunset in the Kurpark Wiesbaden, ensuring the perfect musical evening in a summery atmosphere!

Gregory Porter & Band

She's back: Legendary Italian rock singer Gianna Nannini is touring with her new project "Sei nell'anima" – which includes an album, a film, and a book – and will be stopping off at the beautiful Kurpark in Wiesbaden. For this project, the icon went in search of her favorite sounds and is now sharing the results with her fans: "In my opinion, songs are born from key words. I started with 'anima,' the Italian word for soul. Every country has its own soul, and I was looking for mine. This search became a mission that guided me in composing the twelve tracks on the album." With this profound approach, she has created a musical journey on which she captures the souls of different cultures and expresses them in her new songs. Gianna Nannini will tell the audience her very own story this evening and will also have a few well-known hits up her sleeve.

Gianna Nannini “BE NELL'ANIMA”

In addition to numerous awards, including the Gramophone Editor's Choice Award for the album "Rhapsody," Martin James Bartlett has already achieved several milestones in his career. With his daring technique and elegant maturity, he has impressed not only the international music press but also the British royal family: In 2016, the Englishman personally performed at the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations. Following his magnificent performances at our Mozart Nights in 2022 and 2023, we are now pleased to welcome the pianist to a piano recital at Schloss Johannisberg with a program spanning several eras and inspired by dance.

Martin James Bartlett, piano

Where the emperor once strolled, we are preparing the large Kurpark stage for an evening with Spanish flair: In a beautiful atmosphere, tenor Rolando Villazón and mezzo-soprano Gaëlle Arquez, together with the Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid under the direction of Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra, will present a classical night with a Spanish repertoire that can only be experienced in this form here. Of course, works by Manuel de Falla and parts from Georges Bizet's "Carmen" will be included – a dazzling work that has lost none of its popularity and expressive diversity to this day. But singing isn't the only thing that plays a role this evening: with Spanish orchestral works, the Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid will demonstrate all of its talent and transport the audience to Southern Europe with its sounds. Fans of Spanish music culture and all those who aspire to become fans of Spanish music culture should definitely not miss this open-air classical music event in Wiesbaden's Kurpark!

Spanish Classical Night

When the raw passion of flamenco meets the gentle melancholy of Persian melodies, a truly special sonic experience is created – magical, alien, and yet strangely familiar. Several musicians from diverse musical backgrounds will ensure this evening. Spanish virtuoso Dani de Morón presents fiery, captivating music on the flamenco guitar, complemented and interwoven by Persian sounds and the rhythmic impulses of the Constantinople ensemble under the artistic direction of Iranian musician, singer, and composer Kiya Tabassian. These sonic contrasts create a musical journey into two cultures, transporting the audience into a suspended space of sound and time.

Flamenco meets Persia

Many leading artists are committed to supporting young musicians in their field, as they know best: All beginnings are difficult, especially in the classical music market. This year's featured artist, Renaud Capuçon, knows this well and is therefore committed to supporting emerging talent. In 2022, he founded the Beau Soir Productions initiative with Banijay France, which supports young artists in their careers. In keeping with our composer focus, he will present works by Maurice Ravel and Gabriel Fauré together with three of his protégés.

Renaud Capuçon presents young talents

This year's Focus Jazz artist, Dee Dee Bridgewater, is one of the greatest entertainers on the international jazz scene, with her powerful voice and abundant performing talent. She inherited her passion for music, dance, and acting from her mother and grandmother, and so it is important to her to make music with up-and-coming jazz talents and pass on her experience. For example, in the mentoring program "The Woodshed Network" she founded, she once took jazz singer Kennedy under her wing. Kennedy now, as the frontwoman of the New York-based band Kennedy Administration, rocks every stage with her energetic voice and presence. Together with the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt under the direction of Angelo Valori, the two singers, who have a great deal of mutual respect for each other and their music, showcase their entire artistic spectrum, from jazz, blues, rich R&B, and deep soul.

Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocals Kennedy, vocals Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt Angelo Valori, conductor

This is how international understanding works! Abel Selaocoe firmly believes in the unifying power of music. For the South African native, there are no boundaries – perhaps only in people's minds, but certainly not in music. "Where I come from, we don't immediately pigeonhole everything," he says of his early and most important artistic influence. "When I got a cello, no one said, 'Play classical music.' But they did ask: What sound can you produce with it?'" So, with great curiosity, he embarked on a journey into musical in-between worlds. In his concerts full of universal musicality, the voice, alongside the cello, becomes an important instrument, and the entire body becomes a means of communication. In his joint concert with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, he brings works with very different musical roots together, bringing the world a little closer together.

Abel Selaocoe: “African roots”

Since its Rheingau debut in 1996, the Windsbach Boys' Choir has returned to the Rheingau Music Festival with great regularity. Its performances consistently impress audiences with its radiant sound. Next summer, the choir will bring a diverse program to the Rheingau, featuring works originally written for boys' choir. The boys will journey musically from the Renaissance to the present day, presenting well-known pieces as well as rediscovered and new gems from the boys' choir repertoire in their simple yet beautifully melodious interpretations under the direction of Ludwig Böhme. The concert in the basilica of Eberbach Monastery offers a perfect opportunity to experience the choir's qualities for yourself.

Windsbacher Boys' Choir Ludwig Böhme, conductor

From his beginnings as a highly gifted student of Yehudi Menuhin to his work as a festival and ensemble director and his diverse activities as an author, presenter, and celebrated violinist, Daniel Hope is a true entertainer. Our featured artist this year, Martynas Levickis, can also call himself one: playing his accordion, he impresses audiences on international stages with his versatility and captivating presence. Together, in this exclusive line-up, they take to the newly acquired stage of the Oberursel Stadthalle in the neighboring Taunus region. With their unusual combination of instruments, the two exceptional musicians present a select program on violin and accordion, ranging from Dmitri Shostakovich to Pablo de Sarasate to Béla Bartók, promising extraordinary sounds from the familiar to the unheard.

Martynas Levickis, accordion Daniel Hope, violin

Stadthalle GmbH Oberursel (Taunus)

Versatile, innovative, and talented: Nico Santos has been one of the top stars of the current music scene ever since his hits "Better" and "Rooftop." Always on the lookout for new sounds, the singer explores the entire musical spectrum: "I love trying new things, exploring different styles, and continually coaxing new nuances from my voice." His songs are more than just music—they are cinematic experiences deeply rooted in his autobiographical stories about love and home, inspiring his broad fan base to dream and dance in equal measure. And the passionate musician, who grew up on Mallorca, is an internationally acclaimed star not only as a singer: In addition to numerous TV appearances, he supports colleagues such as Sarah Connor, Mark Forster, and Helene Fischer as a successful producer and songwriter. Despite so much work, he still doesn't miss the opportunity to perform on Europe's biggest stages himself—and, to our great delight, he'll be stopping by our beautiful Kurpark Wiesbaden next summer!

Nico Santos & Band

We enjoy being surprised by artistic excellence. That's why emerging artists like the Classical Music Marathon have long held a permanent place in our program. In 2021, one ensemble in particular shone when it presented itself at the marathon. "The Leonkoro Quartet has an enormous stage presence, is passionate about music, takes great risks, and astonishes with its sensitivity to the specific sonorities of the pieces," wrote the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung some time ago – and we gladly join in this celebration. Performing string quartets by Mozart, Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Bosmans, the Leonkoro Quartet is a guest in this year's "Excellent!" series, having recently been highly recommended as the newly crowned winner of the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Award.

Leonkoro Quartett

The era of universal geniuses is long gone – and yet, even in the 21st century, there are still people whose talents are so multifaceted that one can only marvel. Daniel Hope – musician, author, presenter, and initiator of a wide variety of projects – is one such person, whose ideas bubble inexhaustibly and whose day seems to have more than 24 hours. In his program "Dance!", the violinist leads the audience through seven centuries of musical history, exploring the rhythms that move the body and open the heart – whether in the 14th-century "Lamento di Tristano" or Wojciech Kilar's 1986 "Orawa," or in classics by Purcell, Handel, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Florence Price, Duke Ellington, and many more. This evening, with its lively and waltz-like style, circles around the world of dance with courtly-elegant minuets and fiery Argentine tango, tracing the development of dance in every conceivable step.

“Dance!”

Following their exclusive club tour last year, the musicians of Revolverheld will be back on stage at major festivals and open-air concerts in their anniversary year of 2025. True to the spirit of their single "Einfach Machen" (Simply Do It) – the official 2024 Olympic Song – released last year, the German pop-rock band will be presenting both current and old music in a new guise from two decades of band history this summer against the beautiful backdrop of Wiesbaden's Kurpark. For 20 years, the four friends have been making music together with heart and passion, and it shows: With hits like "Ich lass für dich das Licht an" (I'll Turn On the Light for You), "Helden 2008" (Helden 2008), "Halt dich an mir fest" (Hold Your Hands on Me), and "Das kann uns keiner nehmen" (No One Can Take That), they repeatedly manage to bring people together, evoke emotions, and create a sense of community that is particularly tangible at their concerts. Their songs are hymns to life that invite fans of every generation to sing along and celebrate. True to the motto: Just sing, just dance, just do it!

Revolverheld: “20 Years of Open-Airs”

Award-winning guitarist Thibaut Garcia will be appearing in the "Summer of Music" for the fourth time in a row this year—this time as one of the featured artists at this year's Rheingau Music Festival. Dubbed "one of the most promising young guitarists of our time" by the trade press, he is now an established artist on the major stages of the world's most renowned concert halls and a true connoisseur's tip for all guitar fans in the Rheingau. This summer, the exceptional guitarist will whisk his audience away to Spain, a country whose musical heritage is closely linked to guitar music, with a lovingly crafted solo program. Highlighted in this year's country focus, this program offers a wide array of musical treasures.

Thibaut Garcia, guitar

200 years of Johann Strauss: This deserves to be celebrated! Without Strauss, the waltz virus would certainly not have triggered a global pandemic and would not have so persistently stuck in people's dancing feet. If that isn't worth a dazzling birthday concert! The musical multi-talent Aleksey Igudesman – Viennese by choice, devilish violinist, composer with a sharp pen, and brilliant entertainer – will perform. Together with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, he will play his way in ecstasy through the waltz sounds of the world, twinning Strauss with Jewish klezmer, oriental elements from One Thousand and One Nights, Latin American fervor, and Celtic mysticism. The waltz king can even demonstrate his widescreen qualities, for Hollywood has long since discovered his immortal melodies. For film music legend Hans Zimmer, they are part of the basic musical vocabulary. With spirited arrangements by Zimmer and Igudesman, Strauss becomes a screen star this evening.

Waltzes of the world

Cardboard boxes, clothespins, pot lids, whisks and the like – rhythm is everywhere! This percussion workshop shows how you can make music with homemade instruments made from upcycled materials and everyday objects. The focus is on making music together: we explore different sounds, find rhythms and groove to the energetic Tritsch-Tratsch Polka by Johann Strauss II. And what does that sound like in a large orchestra? You can then experience live how the world-class orchestra The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen makes final preparations for their concert and creates music together during an exclusive orchestra rehearsal visit. The "TRITSCH TRATSCH GROOVES" workshop is aimed at all rhythm-loving children and young people aged 8 and over.

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Rheingau Musik Festival