The 2026 Mainz Music Summer came to a close with eleven concerts at magical venues throughout Mainz—ten of the festival evenings were completely sold out. Acclaimed musicians, international ensembles, and orchestras—such as the SR/SWR German Radio Philharmonic, the Harmonic Brass ensemble, the British vocal ensemble Apollo5, and the internationally touring groups led by singer and kora player Kiya Tabassian and globetrotter Mulo Francel —brought musical diversity and atmospheric performances between July 11 and August 11 to venues such as St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Seminarkirche, St. Ignatz, and St. Stephan’s Church with its famous Chagall stained-glass windows and cloister. 

Dorothee Mields stepped in at the last minute for Benedikt Kristjánsson, who was ill, and with her enchantingly beautiful soprano voice left the audience at St. Ignatz with a lasting impression of timeless Baroque singing, masterfully accompanied by harpist Margret Koell from Tyrol. As a token of appreciation, the two artists have been invited to return in 2027.

“During my first ‘Musiksommer’ as Deputy Mayor for Culture, I was thrilled by the diversity of musical genres. Eleven concert evenings—which could hardly have been more different—offered something for every taste. I was particularly moved by the concert featuring the Constantinople Ensemble. The musicians impressively demonstrated that music knows no boundaries.” 

Ata Delbasteh, Director of Cultural Affairs