Bachfest Leipzig

The Bachfest Leipzig, an annual music festival held in Leipzig, Germany, is a celebration of the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach. The festival takes place in June, the month when Bach worked as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig from 1723 until his death in 1750. The city of Leipzig has a rich musical history, and the Bachfest is a testament to its enduring significance in the world of classical music.

The first Bachfest was held in 1904, and since then, it has grown to become one of the most important musical events in Germany. The festival was initially organized by the Neue Bachgesellschaft and was later formalized in 1908. It was sometimes referred to as the Bachwochen or Bachtage. Since 1999, the festival has been organized by the Bach Archive on behalf of the city of Leipzig, with each year's event featuring a different theme.

The Bachfest Leipzig typically includes around 100 individual events, beginning with an opening concert conducted by the serving Thomaskantor, currently Gotthold Schwarz. The final concert is traditionally a performance of Bach's Mass in B minor in the St. Thomas Church. The festival's program includes a wide range of musical styles, from choral works to orchestral pieces, and features both established and emerging artists.

With its diverse program and talented performers, the festival is a must-visit event for classical music lovers from around the world.