An array of classical music and cultural events will take place across Germany in 2023. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has compiled the highlights of this year’s event calendar for cultural enthusiasts to take note.

Bavarian State Orchestra celebrates 500 years in Munich 

In 2023, the State Orchestra will celebrate its 500-year anniversary. The anniversary will be marked with many different events, such as a ceremony in the National Theatre to open the anniversary year, followed by a number of special open air concerts. 

• More information here
• Dates: Throughout the year

Piano Festival Ruhr 

The Ruhr Piano Festival has become the largest piano festival in the world. Every year, the world’s most acclaimed pianists as well as upcoming young artists showcase their skills on the grand piano in various venues in the region. 

• Dates: April 24 - mid of July, 2023

Gustav Mahler Festival 

In 2023, the Gewandhausorchester will host a Mahler Festival in Leipzig, the city that was home to the composer for two decisive years of his life. A unique opportunity to hear the complete symphonies and other orchestral works interpreted by 10 world class orchestras, in the city in which Mahler became a true symphonic composer. 

• Dates: May 11-29, 2023

Dresden Music Festival 

The Dresden Music Festival 2023 is an annual music festival. Although classical music, including contemporary classical music, is at the heart of its performances, world music, jazz, and dance events are also part of the event programme. For 2023, the festival theme is “black and white”, a reference to the piano. 

• Dates: May 18 - June 18, 2023

Elbjazz Festival, Hamburg 

Jazz, blues and soul along the Elbe: one of the biggest jazz festivals in Germany takes place in the Hamburg port area in June 2023. 

• Dates: June 9-10, 2023 

Rheingau Music Festival 

The Rheingau Music Festival, founded in 1987, is an international music festival. It mainly features classical music events, but includes other genres as well. Concerts take place at culturally important locations, such as Eberbach Abbey and Schloss Johannisberg, located in the wine-growing Rheingau region between Wiesbaden and Lorch. 

• Dates: June 24 - September 2, 2023

Bayreuth Festival 

Every summer, Bayreuth host its renowned musical highlight of the year - the Bayreuth Festival, one of the most prestigious opera festivals dedicated to a single composer – Richard Wagner. 

• Dates: July - August, 2023

International Schiller-Days in Mannheim 

The International Schiller Days is a festival held every two years at the National Theatre Mannheim. The event focuses on Friedrich Schiller’s work (as the title suggests). 

• Dates: June 22 – July 02, 2023

International Literature festival in Berlin 

In September, Berlin becomes the capital of literature. Around 200 authors from over 40 countries are expected at the 23rd International Literature Festival. 

• Dates: September 6-16, 2023