Bach Festivals & Cantata Series
Wiblinger Bachtage

Name:

Wiblinger Bachtage

Location:

Wiblingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Venues:

Concerts take place across various spaces in and around Ulm and Wiblingen, most notably the Evangelische Versöhnungskirche, Wiblingen (with Gemeindehaus) and the spectacular historic Barockbibliothek of the former Kloster Wiblingen.
Other Venues:
Basilika St. Martin, Wiblingen
Evangelisches Gemeindezentrum am Tannenplatz, Wiblingen
Städt. Saal des Sozialzentrums am Tannenplatz, Wiblingen
Katholische Heilig Kreuz-Kirche, Gögglingen
Stadthaus Ulm
Ulmer Münster
Pauluskirche Ulm
Katholische Kirche Mariæ Himmelfahrt, Ulm-Söflingen
Katholische Kirche St. Johann Baptist, Neu-Ulm
Haus der Begegnung
St. Franziskus am Tannenplatz, Wiblingen
Kirche St. Sebastian, Oberkirchberg
Martin-Luther-Kirche Ulm
St. Michael zu den Wengen, Ulm
Schloss Erbach
Stadthaus Ulm, Münsterplatz

Years:

Since 1985 (Annual Festival)

Months:

September-October

Artistic Director:

KMD Albrect Schmid (since 1985)

Ensembles:

The Wiblinger Bachtage in Ulm regularly features a variety of classical, choral, and instrumental ensembles. Key performers include the festival's resident Wiblinger Kantorei, the Frielinghaus Ensemble, the Vokal-Ensemble 15, and the Collegium Instrumentale.
The festival's programming highlights a mix of local chamber groups, vocal ensembles, and guest soloists. Some of the notable ensembles that perform include:
Wiblinger Kantorei: The core choral ensemble that anchors the festival, led by artistic director Albrect Schmid.
Frielinghaus Ensemble: A renowned chamber string group that frequently performs concertos and classical repertoire.
Vokal-Ensemble 15: An acclaimed vocal group specializing in polyphonic and a cappella choral works.
Collegium Instrumentale Stuttgart: An instrumental ensemble that partners with the local choirs for large-scale orchestral and choral masterworks.
Latin Strings: A string quartet that has collaborated with the Frielinghaus Ensemble for special festival performances.
Millenium-Ensemble Dresden: A frequent guest a cappella group featured in the festival's chamber programs.
Ludwigsburger Blechbläser Quintett: Featured in brass and organ-centered events.
Basilikachor
Collegium Musicum Ulm

Website:

Wiblinger Bachtage

History & Mission:

The Wiblinger Bachtage is a two-week annual music festival based in Wiblingen (Ulm), Germany. Founded in 1985 by Kirchenmusikdirektor Albrect Schmid, the festival bridges classical masterworks - especially the music of J.S. Bach - with diverse genres, ranging from Baroque and jazz to contemporary themes, hosted in local venues like the Wiblingen Abbey library.
History
The Origin: The festival was established in 1985 by Albrect Schmid, who continues to serve as its artistic director. Initially questioned by critics as a niche project, the event has since grown into a massive local institution with a loyal following.
The Growth: For decades, it has operated as a broad musical family, drawing in local residents and visitors to perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah, jazz-infused J.S. Bach, symphonic works, and theatrical pieces.
The Organizers: The event is supported by the non-profit Wiblinger Chorklang e.V. (and the Wiblinger Kantorei).
Mission
Transcending Barriers: While rooted in J.S. Bach and traditional choral/orchestral music, the festival’s mission is to expand the boundaries of classical music. Each year's program centers around a specific philosophical theme (such as "Aufbrüche" / Awakenings or "Warum Musik?" / Why Music?), demonstrating music's broader impact on humanity.
Community & Culture: The organization is dedicated to promoting regional musical talent and fostering active community engagement through open-door rehearsals, workshops, and integrating classical performances into local community life.

Recent Festivals:

3^rd Festival: Sep 25-Oct 4, 1987

13^th Festival: Oct 5-19, 1997
14^th Festival: Sep 27-Oct 4, 1998
15^th Festival: Sep 24-Oct 3, 1999
16^th Festival: Oct 15-29, 2000
17^th Festival: Oct 15-29, 2001
18^th Festival: Oct 6-20, 2002
19^th Festival: Sep 28-Oct 12, 2003
20^th Festival: Sep 25-Oct 10, 2004

21^st Festival: Sep 24, Oct 9, 2005
22^nd Festival: Mar 26-Apr 9, 2006
23^rd Festival: Jun 17-Jul 1, 2007
24^th Festival: Oct 12-26, 2008
25^th Festival: Jun 21-Jul 5, 2009
26^th Festival: Sep 12-26, 2010
27^th Festival: Oct 9-23, 2011
28^th Festival: Sep 27-Oct 12, 2012
29^th Festival: Jun 9-23, 2013
30^th Festival: May 18-31, 2014

31^st Festival: Jun 14-28, 2015
32^nd Festival: Jun 5-19, 2016
33^rd Festival: Sep 22-Oct 3, 2017
34^th Festival: Jun 10-24, 2018
35^th Festival: May 22-26, 2019
No Festival: Nov 22-29, 2020 (Cancelled, Covid-19)
36^th Festival: Sep 20-Oct 4, 2021
37^th Festival: Jun 30-Jul 10, 2022
38^th Festival: May 7-21, 2023
39^th Festival: Jun 9-23, 2024
40^th Festival: May 11-25, 2025

41^st Festival: Sep 20-Oct 4, 2026

Logo: