In May 2026, the picturesque town of Schaffhausen will once again be transformed into a center of baroque soundscapes: The 31st International Bach Festival invites music lovers from all over the world to experience Johann Sebastian Bach's oeuvre in all its diversity - traditional and surprising at the same time. Under the motto "Bach timeless", the festival reflects the continuing topicality of his music and opens up bridges to contemporary forms of expression.
Since 1946, the Bach Festival Schaffhausen has been delighting audiences every two years around Ascension Day. Founded with the desire to unite people from different backgrounds through the power of music after the Second World War, the festival has developed into an internationally renowned baroque music event. Great masses and oratorios, cantata services, crossover projects and world premieres form the heart of the program - and in 2026 this tradition will continue at the highest level.
Les Passions de l'Âme © Guillaume Perret
The selection of performers promises an unforgettable musical experience: La Cetra Barockorchester & Vokalensemble Basel under Andrea Marcon has been one of the international leaders in historically informed performance practice for years. Les Passions de l'Âme, the award-winning Bernese ensemble for early music under the direction of violinist Meret Lüthi, will enrich Schaffhausen with their virtuoso joy of playing. The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra will also be joined by the Belgian vocal ensemble Vox Luminis under Lionel Meunier - two world-class ensembles that will make Bach's music resound anew in its subtle intensity. As Artist in Residence, French harpsichordist Jean Rondeau will expand the artistic range of the festival and open up new perspectives on well-known works with his subtle playing.
Jean Rondeau © Clément Vayssière
The festival also offers a multifaceted supporting program: guided tours through the historic old town, exhibitions in the Museum zu Allerheiligen, workshops for children, wine tastings in Blauburgunderland and boat trips on the High Rhine make the Bach Festival a complete experience. And as in previous years, the festival creates connections between tradition and the present: Bach meets jazz, breakdance, dance or electronic music - the compositions gain new expressiveness and relevance through innovative interpretations.
The Bachfest Schaffhausen 2026 thus remains true to its vision: to connect people, bring baroque music to life and show that Bach's works are far more than historical relics - they are living, timeless worlds of sound that captivate the audience.
May 13 to 17, 2026
www.bachfest.ch
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