54rd International Heinrich Schütz Festival in Bad Köstritz (October 2-5, 2025)

Heinrich Schütz in the intellectual and social history of the 19^th and 20^th centuries

The International Heinrich-Schütz-Festival can look back on a tradition of over ninety years and brings together keen music amateurs with experts in the field. The 54^th instalment will take place from 2-5 October 2025 in Bad Köstritz, the city of birth of our namesake. It is organised by the International Heinrich-Schütz Society together with the Heinrich Schütz Musikfest / Mitteldeutsche Barockmusik e.V. as well as the Heinrich-Schütz Houses in Bad Köstritz and Weißenfels.

Bad Köstritz is Schütz’s birthplace. In Weißenfels he spent his childhood and youth. The two Heinrich-Schütz Houses preserve his legacy as living museums. Both celebrate their 40^th anniversary in 2025 as places for research and knowledge transfer, and they offer an authentic setting for our programme.

Delve into a varied programme of concerts with the music of Heinrich Schütz and his contemporaries at its heart. Among our planned events are concerts with Ensemble 1684 directed by Gregor Meyer and Ensemble Polyharmonique directed by Alexander Schneider, as well as Earle His Viols with soprano Monika Mauch.

The accompanying scholarly symposium focuses on Schütz’s reception history: Under the heading „Heinrich Schütz in the intellectual and social history of the 19^th and 20^th centuries“, leading scholars will present their latest insights into the reception of Schütz and his music. The symposium also celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the two Schütz Houses and invites international exchange.

In addition, the Festival offers numerous opportunities for shared experiences and conversations as part of day trips and convivial gatherings, as well as a festive concluding church service. Be inspired by Schütz’s rich musical legacy and get to know people from all over the world who treasure his artistry. Concerts, lectures and communal activities create space for encounter, with something on offer for every palate. We cordially invite you to celebrate the 54^th International Heinrich-Schütz Festival in Bad Köstzritz with us and discover this unique sound world together.

With kind regards

Arno Paduch
President