In 2025, we will be commemorating the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death. An occasion that will be specially commemorated as part of the Rostock Bach Festival.
From 10 to 12 October 2025, a festival awaits you that highlights the special connection between Rostock church music under the recently deceased Rostock cantor Hartwig Eschenburg and the renowned Gaechinger Cantorey under Hans-Christoph Rademann in the opening concert with motets by Johann Sebastian Bach. At the heart of the Bach Festival is a programme conceived by its artistic director Johanna Staemmler that looks at Bach's music from different perspectives.
Focussing on the iconic work ‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’, you can expect an exciting new interpretation and premiere performance: ‘Rethinking the Well-Tempered Clavier’. Discover Bach's legendary work in a whole new way with the renowned Calmus Ensemble and pianist Natalya Pasichnyk.
Kit Armstrong - the celebrated pianist, organist and Bach interpreter will enrich the festival with his unique way of living Bach's music in two concerts.
The duo Deep Strings has developed an exclusive concert programme for the Rostock Bach Festival in which improvisation runs like a thread through the music - from Johann Sebastian Bach to the present day. Original works and improvisations are juxtaposed directly.
Under the title Bach and the End of Time, we invite you to a concert evening in which outstanding musicians led by Johanna Staemmler interpret the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Olivier Messiaen in a chamber music setting. The two seemingly contrasting composers will enter into an exciting dialogue.
The Rostock Bach Festival not only stands for the performance of Bach's works, but also for an exploration of his legacy. Enjoy this musical journey and let yourself be enchanted by the unique soundscapes that Bach continues to inspire today.
Look forward to a festival full of music, history and innovation - the Bachtage Rostock 2025.
