23.-26. April 2026

Welcome!

After a successful premiere, Bach & now! is entering its next round!

We warmly invite you to once again immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Bach & now! — the international festival set in the elegant surroundings of Schloss Agathenburg in Northern Germany, taking place from April 23 to 26, 2026.

Experience outstanding artists, extraordinary musical encounters, and inspiring programs that bring Johann Sebastian Bach into an exciting dialogue with works of our time.

Bach & now! stands for musical enjoyment with all the senses — for emotional moments, surprising soundscapes, personal encounters, and an atmosphere that truly moves you.

Look forward to a diverse festival featuring concerts, lectures, and workshops at unique venues: within the castle, in its historic stables, and in the surrounding churches.

Bach & now! – Agathenburger Bachtage e.V. continues its mission: to connect early music with contemporary compositions — inspiring, surprising, and forward-looking.

Will you join us again when music, history, and the present come together in Agathenburg to create a truly special experience?

Bach is like the sun for me: I need him every day.
György Kurtág
One can experience music sensually, even if one does not understand its structure.
Xiaoyong Chen
I seek to evoke, through sound, an imaginary landscape, its place and time blurred by memory’s reshaping.
Rouzbeh Rafie
Indescribable is what I learn from Bach – as if I were a child sitting at his feet.
Gustav Mahler
The inner content of my music excludes the concept of chamber music.
Galina Ustwolskaja
There are no intellectual considerations in my work – music must first and foremost be emotional.
Pēteris Vasks

Programme

Look forward to a rich and varied program in which selected compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and contemporary works are presented within a unique historical setting — opening up new, resonant paths toward the future, performed by internationally acclaimed artists.

The festival offers musical highlights for both Bach enthusiasts and those curious about classical music who may have little prior experience. From organ recitals and intimate chamber concerts to impressive performances with chamber orchestra, the program allows audiences to experience Bach’s compositions, other Baroque works, and contemporary music in all their depth and diversity.

Stade Elementary School
23. April 2026
08:00 am

Workshop Program with Students in Cooperation with the Lübeck University of Music

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Schloss Agathenburg, Pferdestall
23. April 2026
19:30 pm

Opening concert of the Agathenburg Bach Days 2026 – Minguet Quartet – Searching for traces

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Schloss Agathenburg, Eiskeller
24. April 2026
10:00 am

All-day sound installation – Rouzbeh Rafie – Sound Installation LBDB – From the Big Bang to the Death of the Sun

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Schloss Agathenburg, Pferdestall
24. April 2026
10:00 am

Concert for students in cooperation with the Lübeck University of Music, hosted by Juri Tetzlaff

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Schloss Agathenburg, Pferdestall
24. April 2026
19:30 pm

Piano Recital Angela Hewitt

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Schloss Agathenburg, Eiskeller
25. April 2026
10:00 am

All-day sound installation – Rouzbeh Rafie – Sound Installation LBDB – From the Big Bang to the Death of the Sun

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Schloss Agathenburg, Schlosskeller
25. April 2026
11:00 am

Organ-Building Workshop for Youth and Adults with Annegret Schönbeck

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Schloss Agathenburg, Barocksaal
25. April 2026
14:00 pm

Lecture by musicologist and lawyer Dr. Meinolf Brüser

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Hollern, St.Mauritius zu Hollern
25. April 2026
15:00 pm

Organ Tour – Arp Schnitger – St. Mauritius Church in Hollern

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Schloss Agathenburg, Barocksaal
25. April 2026
15:30 pm

Panel Discussion on Meinolf Brüser’s Book “Es ist alles Windhauch – Did Bach Plan His Farewell?”

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Schloss Agathenburg, Hans-Christoph Gewölbe
25. April 2026
16:00 pm

History you can touch — for kids, teens, and young-at-heart adults, with costume designer Angela Gottschalk

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Steinkirchen, St. Martini et St. Nicolai
25. April 2026
16:30 pm

Organ Tour – Arp Schnitger – St. Martini et St. Nicolai in Steinkirchen

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Schloss Agathenburg -Pferdestall
25. April 2026
19:30 pm

From Darkness to Light Kammersymphonie Berlin under Jürgen Bruns – Alexandra Sostmann, piano

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Schloss Agathenburg, Eiskeller
26. April 2026
10:00 am

All-day Sound Installation by Rouzbeh Rafie – Sound Installation LBDB – From the Big Bang to the Death of the Sun

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Schloss Agathenburg, Barocksaal
26. April 2026
11:00 am

Lecture Recital HPSCHD: Introduction to the Harpsichord with harpsichordist Elena Khurgina

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Hollern, St. Mauritius zu Hollern
26. April 2026
14:30 pm

The Gesualdo Six – Lux Aeterna – Vocal Concert

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Schloss Agathenburg, Barocksaal
26. April 2026
16:30 pm

“How Wonderful Are Your Works” – Reading with Prof. Michael Maul

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Schloss Agathenburg, Pferdestall
26. April 2026
19:00 pm

Closing Concert of the Agathenburg Bach Days 2026 – Duo Villarceaux – Adorations

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Programme >>

Tickets

Dear Bach & now! guests, starting October 16, 2025, you will find all important information here about ticket sales and practical details for your festival visit. Tickets will be available from November 1, 2025, through Schloss Agathenburg, online via this website, and at www.schlossagathenburg.de. We look forward to welcoming you!
Ticket-Information >>

Box Office &
Evening Ticket Sales

Cultural Foundation Schloss Agathenburg
Hauptstraße
D-21684 Agathenburg
Tel.: +49 (0)4141 54220

https://www.schlossagathenburg.de

Opening hours:
‘March – November:
Tue – Fri: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, Sun, public holidays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Festival Pass

HVV
KombiTicket

A festival pass is available for €159 and is limited to 25 passes. It grants admission to all concerts in the Pferdestall (4 concerts), the lecture recital with Elena Khurgina in the Baroque Hall of Schloss Agathenburg, and the concert by The Gesualdo Six in St. Mauritius Church in Hollern. Additionally, it includes access to the VIP reception on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The festival pass is non-transferable and must be presented upon entry.

Eintrittskarten mit dem speziellen hvv KombiTicket-Aufdruck gelten gleichzeitig als Fahrkarte für die Ringe A-F. Das KombiTicket gilt am Veranstaltungstag von 0 Uhr bis 6 Uhr des Folgetages für die Hin- und Rückfahrt zum Veranstaltungsort

Give the gift
of musical enjoyment

Concert gift vouchers can be purchased at the box office.

Route >>

Online
Ticketshop

You can conveniently book your tickets from home.

Book tickets here >>

News

Composer in Residence 2026 – Xiaoyong Chen

Chinese composer Xiaoyong Chen (*1955) is regarded as one of the most distinguished voices in contemporary music with a truly international reach. After studying composition in Beijing and in Hamburg under György Ligeti,...
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A very special instrument!

For the duration of the festival, we will be bringing in a special Steinway D grand piano from the Klangmanufaktur Hamburg.   Grand Piano Profile KM021 Steinway D No. 134,935 KM021 was built in 1907 at the Steinway ...
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Fun, Good Music and Family Joy

The Bach & now! Festival invites you kids, teenagers, and adults to a creative day on Saturday, 29th March 2025. Spend a day on the festival grounds, participate in workshops, enjoy concerts and music, and delve into...
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Sound Installation LBDB by Rouzbeh Rafie– From the Big Bang to the Death of the Sun

The sound installation created especially for the festival by Iranian composer Rouzbeh Rafie unfolds its effect in the atmospheric Ice Cellar of Schloss Agathenburg – a place of remarkable acoustics and distinctive chara...
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Royal and Delicious! Culinary Delights Await!

Royal and Delicious! Catering for your well-being is provided. At the Café of Schloss Agathenburg, the wonderful team offers a selection of light vegetarian dishes, homemade cakes, savory treats, and a variety of beverag...
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VIP reception for friends and classical music enthusiasts

Schloss Agathenburg – Foyer April 25, 2026 – 10:00 p.m. VIP Reception for Friends and Classical Music Enthusiasts €20 – Limited number of tickets   You are invited to join us after the concert in the enchanting atmo...
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Magic of Light in the Park

Schloss Agathenburg - Castle Pond Saturday, 25 April, and Sunday, 26 April 2026 – from nightfall Glowing water lanterns drift across the castle pond, transforming the park into a shimmering, almost magical landscape. A m...
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Our Supporters

We say thank you!

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners, supporters, sponsors, and foundations — without whom this festival would not be possible.