Bachfest Leipzig 2027: 300 years of the “St Matthew Passion”

From 10 to 20 June next summer, Bachfest Leipzig 2027 promises a wide range of experiences. Some 250 events will explore the theme of “Passion”, marking the 300th anniversary of the first performance of the St Matthew Passion in 1727.

Among the events already announced are a participatory open-air performance and a 24-hour organ marathon at the Thomaskirche. The anniversary will also provide an opportunity to explore the work’s history: David Stern, Opera Fuoco and the MDR-Rundfunkchor will perform Mendelssohn’s 1841 reworking at the Gewandhaus. Another highlight, at the Nikolaikirche, will see Philippe Herreweghe and Collegium Vocale Gent come together for Monteverdi’s Vespers of the Blessed Virgin. The St John Passion, meanwhile, will take over the Opera House in Sasha Waltz’s choreography, with Cappella Mediterranea, the Chœur de Chambre de Namur and Vox Bona under Leonardo García-Alarcón. The traditional closing performance of the Mass in B minor, on 20 June, will be entrusted to John Eliot Gardiner and The Constellation Choir & Orchestra.

One original feature: by purchasing a “Klima-Pass”, festival-goers can support the planting of new trees in the Bach Forest, south of Leipzig, while receiving a 15% discount on the standard ticket price for selected Bachfest events. The “Klima-Pass” is available from 1 November.

Tickets go on sale: 24 November 2026
Official website: https://www.bachfestleipzig.de/en/bachfest