Musikfestspiele Saar

A cultural highlight in the greater region

The Internationalen Musikfestspiele Saar were founded in 1989 as a result of civic engagement and have since developed into a significant pillar in the cultural landscape of Saarland, alongside Saarländischer Rundfunk, Staatstheater, and the various theatre and film festivals.

Due to Saarland's geographical location, with borders to France and Luxembourg, the Musikfestspiele Saar has embraced the theme of crossing boundaries.

While the festival's previous conceptual focus centered on presenting a musical and cultural kaleidoscope of a country, the new artistic director, Bernhard Leonardy, shifted away from this approach in 2018. Crossing boundaries, within the festival's concept, involves:

• German-French projects and those in the greater region
• Increasingly interdisciplinary project formats
• Collaboration with local universities
• Expansion of music education and cooperation with schools
• Making 'art for all' accessible through particular concert formats, deliberately selecting unconventional concert venues and offering special rates for those with lower incomes
• 'Daring to try something new'

During the annual festival, which takes place in pring (April/May), nearly all regions of Saarland are involved. The festical also seeks collaboration with local cultural institutions, companies, churches, schools and social facilities. It deliberately bridges the gap between world-class ensembles, supporting emerging artists, involving community choirs, experimental ensembles and engaging youth ensembles.

As a result, the spectrum of performances ranges from symphonic concerts and chamber music to recitals, cross-genre concerts, new music, street performances and French-style "Concerts de poche" in Saarland. Over the past 30 years, the Musikfestspiele Saar has established itself as a festival deeply rooted in society, attracting more than 11,000 spectators annually with about 25 concerts.