Closing concerts of Musica Sacra International at the Trinity Church in Kaufbeuren
The Musica Sacra International festival presents a diverse range of music from different religions and other cultural spheres over the Whitsun period from 22 to 26 May 2026 in Marktoberdorf, Augsburg, Munich and throughout the Allgäu region. Through music, this festival of encounters aims to make an important contribution – particularly in today’s world – to getting to know and understanding other cultures and religions. Audiences will experience extraordinary musical performances, diversity, community and tolerance. The motto of the upcoming festival is “Resonances of the Sacred”.
Eight ensembles and choirs from various countries and regions around the world have been invited. They will all be performing live for the final time as part of Musica Sacra International on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at the “Closing Concert Part I” at 6 pm and the “Closing Concert Part II” at 8 pm. Performing at the “Closing Concert I” are: the Cologne Gagaku Ensemble from Germany and Japan, Polifonija from Lithuania, Kol kore´ from Germany and Israel, and Le Chant sur la Lowé from Gabon.
The ‘Closing Concert II’ will feature the Efsun Ensemble from Turkey and Germany, the Prassanna Vishwanathan Ensemble from India, the Brigham Young University Singers from the USA, The Naghash Ensemble from Armenia, and the Festival Choir, performing an interfaith programme curated by the Artistic Director, Bettina Strübel.
The Festival Choir is conducted by Prof. Jan Schumacher, with the American choir “Brigham Young University Singers” from Provo, Utah, serving as the studio choir. Polish composer Zuzanna Koziej was commissioned specifically for the festival to set a “Gayatri Mantra” to music. In addition, compositions by Gerald Cohen, Goudimel, Ali Ufki and Recep Gül are being rehearsed. Festival choir director Jan Schumacher has been University Music Director and Honorary Professor at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main since 2015; he has also been Artistic Director of the “Frankfurter Singakademie” since 2024 and conductor of the “Camerata Musica Limburg” since 1999.
The studio choir for the festival choir is made up of the Brigham Young University Singers from the USA, conducted by Dr Andrew Crane. The Brigham Young University Singers are a 40-strong mixed choir with impressive voices and a wide range of styles. Under the direction of Dr Andrew Crane, the group performs pieces from almost every musical genre, as well as many original works written or arranged specifically for the choir.
As well as attending a wide variety of concerts, from 22 to 26 May 2026 you can get to know the ensembles in various workshops, sing along with the festival choir, attend lectures and church services, take part in an interfaith prayer service, and get together in the evenings at ‘Café Musica’. Tickets for Musica Sacra International 2026 are available in advance online at www.musica-sacra-international.org and at all Eventim ticket outlets.