--- title: "Music in Saxony – Composers, museums, venues, and festivals" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/things-to-do/culture/music" description: "Semperoper, Wagner sites, Leipzig's musical heritage, St. Thomas Choir, and Dresden Music Festival – Saxony shines brightly as a center of high musical culture." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Things to do > Culture > Music" --- The land of music ================= The delightful sounds of Saxony -------------------------------- Be it the **Semper Opera House in Dresden**, numerous Wagner or Bach sites or the **famous St. Thomas Boys' Choir of Leipzig**: Saxony shines brightly as a centre of musical culture. Everywhere in the region you will find **outstanding orchestras and choirs** with long-standing traditions that spoil their audiences with musical performances of world-class standard. Visitors can enjoy the best of music in unique venues and walk in the footsteps of the musical geniuses. - - - Musical highlights in Saxony Places of interest for music lovers ----------------------------------- > Music is a second revelation of the world, the ineffable sounding mystery of existence. Richard Wagner, German composer (1813-1883) Great composers and museums --------------------------- - Johann Sebastian Bach in the and in Leipzig - Robert & Clara Schumann in and - Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in - The in Graupa - Carl-Maria von Weber in the - in honour of Heinrich Schütz Experience Bach's legacy in Leipzig ----------------------------------- Leipzig is deeply connected to Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as Thomaskantor from 1723 until his death in 1750 and created many of his most famous works in the city. The annual in June is always dedicated to a specific theme. In 2027, it will be “Passion” as it will be the 300th anniversary of St. Matthew Passion, written in Leipzig. Performances always feature renowned artists, including St. Thomas Boys Choir and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. The has been a global research centre for more than 75 years. It also operates the right across St. Thomas Church. The is a 5.6 km long trail connecting significant and authentic places of the more than 800-year-old music history of Leipzig including churches, composer's houses and museums. For Bach enthusiasts, Leipzig offers , and which include concert tickets and immersive experiences, making Leipzig a must-visit for classical music lovers. Unique orchestras and ensembles ------------------------------- - Leipzig’s with 185 top musicians is not for nothing high on the list of many music aficionados around the world. Whatever you do, try to attend one of their performances for an unforgettable experience! - For over 400 years, the has inspired great composers with its fine and warm chamber music sound. - Performances of the are an integral part in the city’s cultural calendar and the orchestra stands for musical performances of the highest artistic standard. - The award-winning is Germany's oldest radio orchestra and one of the most exciting ensembles in the entire country. - The is known for outstanding concerts, operas and musicals and you will find its name on many award-winning albums. - with a tradition going back to the early 13th century was for 27 years under the cantorship of the great Johann Sebastian Bach himself and is today one of the oldest and most prestigious boys’ choirs in the world. - For over 800 years, the (Holy Cross Boys Choir) has been delighting its audiences. It is one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world and has produced some of Germany's greatest singers. - Modern dance has a long tradition in Saxony and can be enjoyed at the and the . *Play video* ### Leipzig’s Gewandhaus Orchestra The has been part of Leipzig’s “soundtrack” since 1743. It is considered the world’s first civic symphony orchestra, and with 185 musicians, it is also one of the largest. The Gewandhaus trademark is a dark, romantic sound, shaped by some of the greatest conductors such as Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Gustav Mahler, Wilhelm Furtwängler and Kurt Masur. Gewandhaus Orchestra performances, which are always also an encounter with the history of Mozart, Liszt, Wagner and Brahms in Saxony, can be enjoyed at , in concerts with the St. Thomas Boys Choir and, above all, at the New Gewandhaus concert hall. Major music festivals --------------------- - The annual is all about the brilliant composer with many events in churches and concert halls throughout the city. - With 1,500 musicians and top-notch concerts, each year attracts tens of thousands of music lovers to the city on the Elbe. - The is the largest chamber music festival in Germany and delights its audience with magnificent concerts in spectacular settings. - With concerts in picturesque churches and historic ballrooms, the takes you on a musical voyage of discovery in one of Saxony’s most stunning sceneries. - The in Leipzig, founded by the "amarcord" ensemble, has become one of the most important meeting places for vocal ensembles from all over the world. - The MDR Music Summer is all about world-class music in unusual venues, including castles, monasteries as well as parks and gardens. - The taking place in around 50 different locations in Saxony’s Lusatia region and across the border in neighbouring Poland features a range of cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances, which bring together regional and international artists. - The offers delightful, intimate concerts in castles and churches throughout Upper Lusatia—a hidden gem! - At the Chursächsische Festival in Bad Elster, Thuringia, Bavaria, and Bohemia join Saxony in celebrating the beauty of culture in the heart of Europe’s spa region. - The is an annual festival in Zwickau, the birthplace of Robert Schumann. It dates back to traditions established in 1847 and is one of the oldest music festivals dedicated to a single composer. Unique music venues ------------------- - The concert hall is the city’s musical centre. European as well as world music history has been written here. - has seen premieres of great operas. Arthur Nikisch and Gustav Mahler worked here as conductors. Today, the legendary has taken its place in the orchestra pit. - The , located right in the city centre, has an impressive repertoire as well as the most modern concert technology in all of Europe. - was originally designed to house the Rhythmic Dance School of Jacques Dalcroze and aimed at the integration of architecture, music, dance and theatre. Apart from being a centre for culture in Europe, it is also an important monument of the continent’s architectural history. - is the only independent operetta theatre in Germany and its home, a former power station, is quite spectacular. - Destroyed during World War II and rebuilt after the fall of the Berlin Wall, (Frauenkirche) is a unique symbol of peace and reconciliation. - , an open-air stage in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is considered the most beautiful natural theatre in Europe, with impressive rock formations forming an ideal backdrop for spectacular performances. Venues, orchestras, and museums Music sites in Saxony --------------------- Architecture, art and industrial heritage Further cultural tips for your holiday --------------------------------------