4th Arp Schnitger Festival

From June 28 to July 10, the Arp Schnitger Festival commemorates the 100th anniversary of Hans Henny Jahnn’s “Organists’ Conference Hamburg–Lübeck.”

Hamburg is a city of organs. One of its most important instruments stands in the main church of St. Jacobi: the Arp Schnitger organ from 1693. This year, the 4th Arp Schnitger Festival celebrates a special anniversary: the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Hamburg–Lübeck Organists’ Conference. Organized by Hans Henny Jahnn, this event had a lasting impact on organ building, led to the rediscovery of the Schnitger organ, and influenced the world of organ music far beyond Hamburg.

 

Festival Program (For dates and detailed information, please refer to the concert calendar)

 

Opening Concert – Gertrude Music
A reconstruction of a musical church service from 1607, featuring Gregorian chant and polychoral works by H. Praetorius and E. Sartorius. The sermon will be musically interpreted on the Arp Schnitger organ.

Sound Magic: Ugrino Organ Concert with Johannes Lang
In honour of Hans Henny Jahnn and Gottlieb Harms, who through the Ugrino concerts opened new pathways to historical organ music. Johannes Lang, great-grandson of Günther Ramin—one of the leading interpreters of the Ugrino series—revives this legacy on the Arp Schnitger organ.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Audition in St. Katharinen
Bach expert Rudolf Lutz improvises on the Arp Schnitger organ. Anselm Hartinger provides commentary on Bach’s legendary concert of 1720.

Masterclass in Organ Improvisation
Young musicians receive expert instruction from Rudolf Lutz. The final concert will showcase the results.

In Memory of Jürgen Ahrend
In tribute to the restorer of the Arp Schnitger organ, colleagues and companions perform a benefit concert in support of Hospizhuus in Leer, East Frisia.

Sound Traces into the City – U1 Organ Walk
A musical stroll to three of Hamburg’s notable organs. Moderated concerts at Ansgarkirche Langenhorn, the main church St. Nikolai, and St. Jacobi explore the impact of the 1925 Organists’ Conference on organ building.

The Organ Mouse – Cushion Concert for Children
An interactive concert on the organ gallery where children can experience the Arp Schnitger organ up close and actively participate.

Cantata Service
Johann Sebastian Bach’s solo cantata “Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust” BWV 170 will be performed as part of the church service.

Closing Concert – Distler: Dance of Death
A concert exploring the connection between early music and the 1925 organ movement. The centerpiece is Hugo Distler’s “Totentanz”, complemented by organ works from Sweelinck and Frank Martin. Actress Barbara Nüsse (Thalia Theater) enriches the program with dramatic recitations.

Additional Highlights
Organ tours, short concerts, and the opening concert of the Organ Summer.

Dates and Details

Program (in German) available for download

June 28 to July 10

drawn image of organ on black background with text, most notably (translated) "Arp Schnitger Festival. June 28until July 10"