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Bach is thefuture

19 to 23 August 2026: Appenzeller Bachtage festival – where tradition meets tomorrow
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Appenzeller Bachtage festival 2026

BACH IS THE FUTURE

For centuries, Johann Sebastian Bach has stood as a global benchmark of compositional excellence and an inexhaustible source of musical inspiration. Yet what, exactly, is the essence of his work that has been carried forward from generation to generation? And how does that legacy continue to evolve in a rapidly changing (music) world?

  • BACH IS THE FUTURE

    The Appenzeller Bachtage festival explore the origins, impact and future of Bach’s music.

    • The traditions that shaped his work and his influence on later composers

    • Reflections on historical performance practice alongside creative reinterpretations

    • Visions for the future of Bach – both in Appenzell and on a global stage

  • EXPERIENCE AND EXPERIMENT

    Between artistic tradition and a spirit of exploration.

    • Magnificent concerts for organ, piano, trumpet, and orchestra

    • Bach cantata evening, sing-along events, and discussion forums

    • Alphorn meets algorithm: music in dialogue with philosophy and AI

  • ENCOUNTERS AND PERSPECTIVES

    Renowned artists and emerging talents share the stage at the Appenzell Bach Festival.

    • Quartonal, Phantasm Viol Consort, Johanna Soller, Kolja Lessing and many more

    • Children’s and youth choirs from Lucerne, Solothurn and the Appenzell midlands

    • Insights from Barbara Bleisch, Mercedes Bunz, Anselm Hartinger and Rudolf Lutz

Appenzeller Bachtage Festival 2026

Set in the spectacular landscape of the Appenzell hills in Switzerland, the Appenzeller Bachtage has been an integral part of the Bach festival calendar since 2014. The festival is the summer residence of the Choir & Orchestra of the J.S. Bach Foundation, conducted by Rudolf Lutz, and a meeting place for Bach and arts enthusiasts from all over Switzerland and neighbouring countries.

We are happy to provide you with further information in English.
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