Jena, May 16, 2026. The International Organ Summer begins next Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with the traditional Jenaer Orgelnacht. This special concert series leads music lovers in stages through three different churches in the Jena city center.
- What: Opening of the Internationaler Orgelsommer (Jenaer Orgelnacht)
- When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 8:00 PM
- Schedule & Stations:
- 8:00 PM: Stadtkirche St. Michael
- 9:00 PM: Friedenskirche
- 10:00 PM: Katholische Kirche St. Johann Baptist
- Performers: Christina Lauterbach, Jakob Schönborn-Dietz, Lukas Förster
French Organ Music in Focus
The thematic focus of the musical opening evening is French organ music. The program includes demanding works by renowned composers César Franck and Charles Tournemire. The opening will be performed by organists Christina Lauterbach, Jakob Schönborn-Dietz, and Lukas Förster, who will present their skills on the instruments of the various houses of worship.
Special Opening in the Stadtkirche St. Michael
This year’s Organ Night takes on special significance due to its first venue: the Stadtkirche St. Michael will be used as a concert venue for the first time after a months-long closure. As announced, only a structurally secured partial area will initially be available to visitors and musicians.
Following the opening evening on May 20, the International Organ Summer will continue as an ongoing concert series. Regular concerts will then take place every Wednesday in the Stadtkirche until September 9.
Background: The Jenaer Orgelnacht and the Orgelsommer
The International Organ Summer has been an integral part of the Thuringian cultural landscape for many years, attracting regional guests and internationally renowned guest organists every year. The special feature of the Orgelnacht lies in its concept of musical wandering: the audience moves every hour from one city center church to the next. This allows listeners to experience the individual room acoustics and the specific timbres of the different church organs in immediate succession.
The Stadtkirche St. Michael is considered one of Jena’s most defining landmarks. Its architectural history dates back to the 15th century. Due to necessary renovation and safety measures, the Late Gothic building was temporarily inaccessible to the public in the recent past. The resumption of concerts – even in limited partial areas – is an important cultural milestone for Jena’s city life.
Source:
Internationaler Orgelsommer startet mit Orgelnacht
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