Musica Sacra International Opening Concert at the Bavarian Music Academy in Marktoberdorf

 

The Musica Sacra International festival presents a diverse range of music from different religions and other cultural backgrounds over the Whitsun period, from 22 to 26 May 2026, in Marktoberdorf, Augsburg, Munich and throughout the Allgäu region. Through music, this festival of cultural exchange aims to make a contribution – particularly important 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
theme of the upcoming festival is ‘Resonances of the Sacred’.

Eight ensembles and choirs from various countries and regions around the world have been invited. At the opening concert on Friday, 22 May 2026, all ensembles and choirs will perform at 8 pm at the Bavarian Music Academy in Marktoberdorf. The following will be welcomed: Le Chant sur la Lowé from Gabon, The Naghash Ensemble from Armenia, Polifonija from Lithuania, Kol kore´ from Germany and Israel, the Brigham Young University Singers from the USA, the Cologne Gagaku Ensemble from Germany and Japan, the Efsun
Ensemble from Turkey and Germany, and the Prassanna Vishwanathan Ensemble from India.

You will be welcomed by, among others, Prof. Dr Hans Jaskulsky, Chairman of the Board of MODfestivals e.V., Andreas Kaufmann, Member of the State Parliament and Member of the Board, Martin Sailer, President of the District Council of Swabia, Bernd Stapfner, District Administrator of the Ostallgäu district, and Michael Eichinger, Mayor of Marktoberdorf. At 6 pm, Prof. Dr Peter Bubmann will deliver the opening lecture, “Resonances of the Sacred: Sounds and Rhythms as an Experience of Transcendence”. This will be followed at 7 pm by the presentation of the Hans Lenz Medal to Prof. Jürgen Budday, in collaboration with the Bundesmusikverband Chor & Orchester e.V. Jürgen Budday was artistic director of the International Marktoberdorf Chamber Choir Competition from 2014 to 2025 and co-director of Musica Sacra International from 2014 to 2018. Both events will take place at the Bavarian Music Academy in Marktoberdorf with free admission.

Tickets for Musica Sacra International 2026 are available in advance online at www.musica-sacrainternational.org and at all Eventim ticket outlets.