DEAR AUDIENCE,
The motto of the 2026 Dresdner Musikfestspiele – »LIGHTNESS OF BEING« – seems like a provocation in light of the many conflicts and tensions in the world. In fact, it is a renewed enthusiastic commitment to art and culture as balance and compensation for all people. We need lightness to counterbalance the heaviness that challenges us here and there. Music creates this balance and transports us to another world.
We have put together a program for you which presents moments of lightness in multifacetted variations. In the opening concert where Olaf Schubert meets Mussorgsky and Dutilleux, the theme is introduced and will be varied over the next four weeks at almost 25 venues in and outside of Dresden. We focus on compositions that give us fresh inspiration and new energy and that bring a touch of weightlessness into our everyday lives. At the same time, our program reflects the diversity of our times: from classical music to jazz and theater to pop. This rich offer opens up a lively dialogue between tradition and modernity, seriousness and lightness, the present and the past.
Let yourself be transported to a world of lightness and playful musical mastery.
We thank the State Capital City of Dresden, which provides the institutional basis for our festival, the State of Saxony, and all our sponsors and partners for their trust and generous support!
I look forward to celebrating Dresden as a festival hub and city of art and culture.
Yours, Jan Vogler Artistic Director
NOTHING EASIER THAN ... FOLLOWING THE MUSIC
The latest edition of the Dresdner Musikfestspiele is closely connected to the season that always lends the festival its special magic. Spring makes everything light, gives us energy, and allows us to sensually experience and enjoy colors, scents, and sounds. Music is a part of Dresden during this time of the year – in all established venues, concert halls, and churches, at unusual performance and event locations, and of course outdoors. With its passionate program, the festival conquers the entire city for four weeks in May and June. International orchestras and choirs, fascinating soloists and ensembles, wonderful artists, exceptional all-round musicians and young stars meet their audiences.
Choose from the abundance of concerts! Let yourself be inspired and surprised! Follow the »LIGHTNESS OF BEING« in Dresden!
Dirk Hilbert, Mayor of the State Capital of Dresden