Baroque music in the engine shed: Silbermann Days get underway

The 26th edition of the Silbermann Festival kicks off with a concert in an unusual setting. This Friday, the European Union Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Enrico Onofri will present works by Henry Purcell, Charles Avison and Georg Philipp Telemann, among others - in the engine shed of the Museum Schauplatz Eisenbahn in Chemnitz.

"Baroque music in a steam locomotive shed: there is no more exciting way to experience tradition and modernity, as well as Saxony's innovative strength in instrument making and industry," explained the artistic director of the festival, Albrecht Koch.

Silbermann organs to experience in Saxony

The music festival is named after Gottfried Silbermann (1683-1753), one of the most important German organ builders. He had his workshop in Freiberg. His instruments can still be experienced in Saxony today, for example in Freiberg Cathedral, Dresden Castle Church and the Georgenkirche in Glauchau.

Silbermann absorbed European culture, incorporated it into his instruments and set standards, explained Koch about this year's motto "The Sound of Europe". Many French influences came from his apprenticeship in Strasbourg, which he integrated into the Saxon soundscape.

Double concert builds a live bridge to France

The program includes numerous concerts with Bach cantatas, organ and jazz, as well as a musical reading, a charity art auction, a family festival and a radio service. Two concerts in Freiberg Cathedral and St. Thomas Church in Strasbourg will be linked via livestream for "Klangbrücke Silbermann" - a symbol of the historical connection between the Silbermann organ-building family.

In addition, young organists from all over the world will be demonstrating their skills in the coming days at the Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition. The prizewinners will perform the final concert on September 14 in Freiberg Cathedral, together with the Hanover Boys' Choir.