Dresden Music Festival

The Dresden Music Festival (Dresdner Musikfestspiele) is one of the largest and most highly acclaimed classical music festivals in Europe, presenting a top-class program of extraordinary density and variety every May and June. In dialogue between the important and leading voices of the classical music scene and the unique cultural and historical surroundings, the festival builds fascinating bridges between tradition and innovation, acting as an ambassador for an open-minded, diverse coexistence.

Since 2009 the internationally renowned cellist Jan Vogler has been the festival’s Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the festival, which was founded in 1978, has further expanded its worldwide renown.

Concerts with internationally celebrated soloists, orchestras and ensembles offer top-class musical encounters during the festival time in Dresden. In addition to stars from the classical music scene renowned artists from the fields of jazz, rock, pop and world music are testament to the exceptional programmatic variety of the festival. 

The Dresden Music Festival’s events take place in numerous wonderful locations in and around Dresden. Many of its venues are located in the city center.

More than twenty performance venues – including historical Dresden landmarks such as the Semperoper, the Frauenkirche or the Kulturpalast, but also modern industrial buildings and open-air venues – are transformed into concert stages.

With its unique cultural and historical setting, Dresden ranks among the most attractive destinations for cultural tourism. Breath-taking architecture, museums of international renown (Old Masters Picture Gallery, Green Vault and the Albertinum), Semperoper et al. – Dresden’s city center offers manifold attractions. 

But also around Dresden visitors should not miss Radebeul with its vineyards and wine taverns, Moritzburg and its Baroque palace, the city of  Meissen (home of European porcelain) or the Saxon Switzerland.

Some performance venues offer drinks and food prior and after the concert. As many venues are located in the city center, a large number of restaurants for any taste and preference can be found.

There is no specific dress code. Feel free to choose your clothing from elegant to casual depending on the event and venue. Dresden has usually agreeable weather conditions in May and June with temperatures ranging from 12 - 25 ºC.