Event Details
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival 2026 – Classical Music Across Northern Germany's Most Beautiful Venues
From 13 June to 12 September 2026, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern becomes one of Europe's most remarkable classical music destinations. The Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern brings around 120 concerts to 90 venues across the region – from medieval churches and baroque palaces to historic manor houses, barn theatres and open-air stages. The opening concert on 13 June took place at the sold-out Konzertkirche Neubrandenburg, while the closing concert on 12 September at St. Georgen Church in Wismar features violinist Janine Jansen with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra conducted by Alan Gilbert.
Artist in Residence: The Armida Quartet
The Armida Quartet serves as Artist in Residence for the 2026 festival, appearing in 19 concerts across the summer season. Martin Funda, Johanna Staemmler, Teresa Schwamm-Biskamp and Peter-Philipp Staemmler guide audiences through the full spectrum of string quartet repertoire – from classical works and tango to collaborations with jazz pianist Johanna Summer. The opening concert featured a rarely heard concerto for string quartet and orchestra by Louis Spohr.
Program Highlights 2026
- Opening Concert with the Armida Quartet and NDR Radiophilharmonie (13 June, Konzertkirche Neubrandenburg)
- Queens of Soul – Open-air concert at Schlosspark Fleesensee with the SWR Big Band (11 July)
- Abel Selaocoe & the Bantu Ensemble – infectious rhythms and vibrant soundscapes (9 July, Rostock Halle 207)
- Mythos Orchester – themed weekend with the NDR Radiophilharmonie at Schloss Ulrichshusen (15–16 August)
- Beatrice Rana & Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden at Landgestüt Redefin (5 September)
- Kleines Fest im großen Park – acrobatics, music and fireworks at Schlosspark Ludwigslust (1–2 August)
- Hinter Mauern – promenade concert inside a former Stasi prison in Schwerin (10 July)
- Closing Concert with Janine Jansen and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra (12 September, St. Georgen Church, Wismar)
Venues
The festival's 90 venues are spread across the entire state, making the sense of discovery a core part of the experience. Concerts take place at locations including Schloss Ulrichshusen, the Konzertkirche Neubrandenburg, the Barocksaal Rostock, St. Georgen Church in Wismar, Güstrow Cathedral, the Landgestüt Redefin stud farm, Schlosspark Ludwigslust, the Kurhaus-Saal in Binz on Rügen and many other historically significant locations between Anklam and Zarrentin. A dedicated Festspielbus shuttle service connects many venues for visitors arriving without a car.
Tickets & Prices
The festival does not operate with fixed pricing. Ticket prices vary by venue, program and seating category, starting from €30 for chamber concerts and reaching €65 for special formats such as the promenade concert with lunch in Schwerin's government quarter. Tickets are available online via the festival's official ticket shop, by phone at +49 385 591 85 85, and at all major advance ticket outlets. For sold-out events, joining the waiting list at kartenservice(at)festspiele-mv.de is recommended. Gift vouchers are also available for those yet to decide on a concert.
Visitor Tips
- Many popular concerts including the opening and the Thomanerchor in Güstrow Cathedral are already sold out – book early.
- Use the Festspielbus shuttle service, which connects major venues and simplifies travel without a car.
- Accommodation near rural venues such as Schloss Ulrichshusen is limited – book well in advance.
- For open-air events at Schlosspark Fleesensee or Ludwigslust, a picnic basket is a popular choice during intervals.
- Many venues are located outside major towns – plan your journey by car or Festspielbus in advance.
- Selected concerts are broadcast on NDR radio – check the festival website for the full transmission schedule.
