Germany’s most diverse festival in magnificent churches?
Sounds like NUREMBERG!
The Musicfest ION is Nuremberg’s most surprising music festival – with a multitude of creativity, professionalism and passion, the festival planners stage a diverse and high-caliber program in Nuremberg’s churches each year. The atmosphere which holds sway in the sacred medieval structures – when music greats like Wolfgang Niedecken or The King's Singers present their songs – is one-of-a-kind and inspires every attendee. A shiver of sensation is guaranteed!
The Story: Much More Than Church Music
Nuremberg, as so many other German cities, was largely destroyed in World War II. The historical Old Town was particularly badly hit, including both of the large urban churches, St. Sebald and St. Lawrence. But with the start of reconstruction, the large main organ on the west balcony of St. Lawrence could be played again (in 1951). This was the act which inspired the cantors of St. Lawrence and St. Sebald to call the first “International Organ Week Nuremberg – Musica Sacra” into life. Finally, music once again rang through these late-Gothic sacred structures. Many local residents streamed in to the churches, even those who were non-believers. One had to do without good music during the long years of the war. The festival for spiritual music was born – and now, a 74-year-old, it is one of the oldest church music festivals anywhere.
The Music: “Nothing is Impossible!“
The International Organ Week has undergone many musical changes over the last decades. For example, it is now open to non-Christian music and has created a broader program. Since 2018, the “International Organ Week” has been known as “Musicfest ION”. Festival director Moritz Puschke has brought his creativity and passion to the task since 2019 and works under the motto “nothing is impossible!”. He stands like no other for the programmatic new direction of ION. Contrary to what one would expect, in Nuremberg’s churches there is room for artistic freedom and Moritz Puschke uses it. With sensitivity and a comprehensive music knowledge, he puts together a very unique music program each year. From the masterpieces of classical music to iconic pop songs and casual jazz to electronic sounds or heavy metal a cappella – the spectrum is broad. And hundreds of children also become stars in the large churches. But Puschke never forgets the roots of the festival and is always good for a sensation with well-known church music greats such as Anna Lapwood, the organist of the Royal Albert Hall in London. The diverse program therefore draws music fans of every genre and of every age. Musicfest ION is also a family festival, where young and old come together to listen to good music and fill ancient sacred walls with life.
ION fans say:
Mathilda, aged 55: “ION is more than church music for me – I’m always thrilled by the choice of music. I like the variety.”
Angela, aged 29: “The first time I visited the Musicfest ION, I was immediately moved by the music in these venerable church walls. An unexpected experience for me!”
Laura, aged 28: “I attend ION each year, because the organ concerts in the historical churches offer an incomparable atmosphere. The mix of traditional organ music and modern interpretations make it something very special.”
Festivallocations
Festival-Highlights Nürnberg
st. katharina open air
A summer concert in the ruins of St. Catharine’s Church is an unforgettable experience. The Gothic window frames and walls create a stunning backdrop, in which music blends in harmony with the architecture to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Musicians from a wide variety of genres and countries, from newcomers to established bands, give their best here and make this multifaceted concert series a real highlight in the Nuremberg festival calendar.
Classic Open Air
The Classic Open Air in Nuremberg counts as one of the largest open air concerts of classic music in Europe. Each year, the Nuremberg State Philharmonic and the Nuremberg Symphony perform in the Luitpoldhain Park and transform it into a concert hall under open skies in a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The family concert, which has taken place since 2013, is also very popular. It features musical hands-on experiences by which children can playfully discover classical music.
Bardentreffen
When Nuremberg transforms into a city of world music on a weekend in the summer, then it’s Bardentreffen time! It is one of the largest free-of-charge music festivals in Germany and draws more than 200,000 visitors from near and far each year. Eight music stages with almost 90 concerts as well as hundreds of street musicians in the lanes give the Nuremberg Old Town an absolute open air festival feeling: Anyone who experiences it, comes again and again!
Nuremberg Pop
The Nuremberg Pop Festival is southern Germany’s largest club and showcase festival and draws music fans every year to Nuremberg. In addition to performances from national and international artists from the genres indie, rap, pop, electro and punk, the festival offers a platform for exchange for creative artists, those interested in culture and politicians with its Pop Conference. Since 2021, the Pop Cultural Prize GUNDA is awarded to young talent and dedicated personalities.
NUEJAZZ Festival
The NUEJAZZ Festival in Nuremberg counts as one of the most innovative jazz festivals in Germany and was awarded with the German Jazz Prize 2024 as “Festival of the Year”. With a courageous and cross-genre program, it brings national and international stars and exciting newcomers to the stage each year. With its creative and high-quality program design and the support of young talent, the NUEJAZZ Festival sets impulses for the jazz scene in Germany and beyond.