The roots of Munich's Bach tradition go back to the first performance of the "Matthäus-Passion" by Franz Lachner in 1842 and are thus directly linked to the unique rediscovery of the Baroque composer in the 19th century. The diverse church music and, after the turn of the century, not least the "Münchener Bach-Verein" under the direction of Christian Döbereiner gradually established a Bach tradition of its own in the city. Döbereiner is regarded as a pioneer of historical performance practice. As early as 1925, the association organised the "First Munich Bachfest", which included the "Brandenburger Konzerte" in historical costumes at Nymphenburg Palace.
In 1900, the Neue Bachgesellschaft was founded in Leipzig to make the rich musical heritage of Johann Sebastian Bach known to many people. Since 1901, a Bachfest organised by the society has been held at a different location almost every year: From Görlitz to Wetzlar, from Hamburg to Freiburg i.Br. and it has also been a guest in Paris, Salzburg, Graz, Strasbourg and Prague. This "official" Bachfest has already travelled to Munich twice, in 1927 and 1990.
Karl Richter's decades of work from the 1950s onwards made the city an internationally recognised Bach metropolis. His tours and recordings led to a worldwide renaissance of the composer after the Second World War and many people came into contact with his music for the first time. Further Bachfeste were held on the Isar until the year 2000.
The Bachfest Munich 2025 builds on this wonderful tradition in the city and celebrates the 99th Bachfest of the Neue Bachgesellschaft for the first time with a participatory approach: all organising partners come together under its umbrella and open up their own paths to Bach. Thanks to the abundance of outstanding orchestras, ensembles and artists in Munich and throughout Bavaria, as well as the density of excellent venues and energetic institutions, Bach's universe can be experienced in all its diversity in an extensive programme.
THE INITIATORS
The range of Bach that can be experienced and heard today is simply marvellous. I am always amazed at the dynamism and creativity with which the festival has developed since our first call for participation. A great festival to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bachfest in Munich.
I am delighted that our idea of the Bachfest is also motivating creative artists throughout Bavaria to take part. In addition to churches, choirs and musicians, visual and performing artists are also involved. Diversity is the programme – and the festival keeps growing ...
After the fantastic Faust-Festival and Flower Power Festival, the Bachfest is the third major participatory festival in Munich – and of course, the Gasteig is back! As a festival centre, the Gasteig HP8 invites everyone to join in, experience culture together and be creative. Above all, however, we want to create space to experience Bach from a completely different perspective.