In 2023, there will be plenty to experience in the lively and inspiring east German metropolis of Leipzig where diversity is embraced. Traditional trade fairs, festivals, sporting events and concerts of a wide musical range will encourage many visitors to come to Leipzig. The following overview offers a selection of important touristic events from January to December 2023. Please check the homepage of the respective organizer in good time before travelling to find out whether – and under what conditions – the event will take place.
Great Concerts of the Gewandhausorchester (all year round)
The Gewandhausorchester is the oldest civic symphony orchestra in the world. Founded in 1743 by a group of 16 musical philanthropists the ensemble took residence in its first concert hall in a textile merchants’ house – thus adopting the name Gewandhausorchester. Today about 800 concerts of various kinds take place in the Gewandhaus Concert Hall every year. The symphony concerts of the Gewandhausorchester and the Gewandhaus organ concerts in the Great Hall are among the most prominent. The highlights are the Great Concerts (Grosse Concerte) as well as this year’s Mahler Festival in May 2023. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/
Gustav Klimt’s Gold Experience – Exhibition Kunstkraftwerk (all year round)
The Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig brings colourful 360-degree projections to the walls of Leipzig’s old heating plant. In 2023, it presents the next immersive show in collaboration with “Stefano Fake & The Fake Factory” from Florence, Italy. The Gustav Klimt Gold Experience is a multi-sensory exhibition about one of the most enigmatic painters in contemporary history and one of the most important representatives of Art Nouveau. Interactive areas with multimedia installations, mirrors, imperial decorations, light shows and magnificent ornaments complete the exhibition. In another room The Bach Experience draws inspiration from the compositions of Bach and shares a visual vision of how sounds become shapes and colours. Info: www.kunstkraftwerk-leipzig.de
Motets and Cantatas with the Thomanerchor (all year round)
Founded in 1212, the St Thomas Boys’ Choir is one of the four oldest boys’ choirs in Germany. Its most famous cantor is Johann Sebastian Bach, who this year celebrates the 300th anniversary of his inauguration in Leipzig. You can hear the St Thomas Boys’ Choir every week at 6 pm on Friday and 3 pm on Saturday in St Thomas Church for a motet and be enchanted. Info: www.thomanerchor.de/en
NEW YORK 9/11 – Exhibition Panometer Leipzig (all year round)
The new 360-degree-panorama “War in times of peace” in the Panometer Leipzig presents the fascinating silhouette of Manhattan with the Twin Towers immediately before the world-changing happening of that time. In the accompanying exhibition, visitors learn about the global impact of the events and the human suffering in the aftermath of the disaster. It is the third panorama in Yadegar Asisi’s series of anti-war projects and continues his examination of the world with a special focus on the wars of modern times. Info: www.panometer.de/en
Magic Tropical Glow in Gondwanaland at Leipzig Zoo (until 5 February 2023)
Experience a magical glow and a unique atmosphere in the tropical adventure world Gondwanaland. In the dark, luminous creatures enchant visitors, while rhythmic sounds and a colourful illumination convey the impression of being in a tropical wonderland. Besides Gondwanaland guest at Zoo Leipzig can follow the trail of nature through five more theme worlds with enclosures that resemble natural habitats: Founder’s Garden, Asia, Pongoland, Africa and South America. The Zoo Leipzig is committed to species conservation in more than 80 breeding programmes. Info: www.zoo-leipzig.de/en
Olga Costa – Exhibition Museum of Fine Arts (until 26 March 2023)
For the first time in Europe, the Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK) is presenting the diverse oeuvre of Leipzig-born Olga Costa in a comprehensive exhibition named “Dialogues with Mexican Modernism”. In addition to works from over 50 years of the artist’s career, outstanding positions of Mexican modernism such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, María Izquierdo, Rosa Rolanda and Lola Cueto are also on display. Info: mdbk.de/en
Winter Tour – Spinnerei Galleries (14 January 2023)
Painters and photographers, sculptors, media and concept artists work undisturbed in their studios on the site of the former cotton mill. On the day of the Spinnerei Winter Tour, however, visitors can see contemporary art in the exhibition spaces and see all galleries from a completely different perspective. The non-commercial art centre HALLE 14 will be open as well. There will also be a Spring and Autumn Tour of the Spinnerei galleries in Mai and September 2023. Info: www.spinnerei.de
100 Years of Binding – Museum of the Printing Arts (27 January to 7 Mai 2023)
The exhibition “Unique Pieces” takes place on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the international association Meister der Einbandkunst MDE e. V. (Masters of the Art of Binding). It provides an insight into the development of contemporary artistic binding in Germany from its beginnings in the hand binding departments of the Leipzig bookbinders in the early 20th century to the present day. What is special about the Museum of the Printing Arts is that all the equipment, tools and machines are presented as living, functioning demonstrations of a wide variety of techniques. Info: www.druckkunst-museum.de/en
CAGGTUS Leipzig – Gaming Festival at Leipziger Messe (14 to 16 April 2023)
The new gaming festival was developed by the community for the community. At the CAGGTUS Leipzig Gaming Festival, everything revolves around gaming, gaming culture and the shared festival experience. People play with and against each other, party together and meet idols and like-minded people. Highlights are the entertainment area, a LAN party and a stream area with exciting formats. Info: www.caggtus.de/en
Leipzig Book Fair and Literature Festival (27 to 30 April 2023)
The Leipzig Book Fair and Europe’s biggest reading festival “Leipzig is Reading” are the most important spring events of the book and media industry. Publishers and authors from more than 40 countries present their latest works while visitors can experience literature live in readings, talk rounds and participatory events at numerous venues throughout the city. In 2023, Austria will be the Guest of Honour. Fans of comics and manga can also visit the Manga-Comic-Convention at the Leipziger Messe at the same time. Info: www.leipziger-buchmesse.de/en
150 Years of Modern Book Art – GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts (27 April to 1 October 2023)
The list of modern artists who have dedicated themselves to the book leaves no greatness unexplored: It ranges from Manet, Picasso and Matisse to Slevogt, Kirchner and Barlach to Grieshaber, Heisig and Baselitz. They are all part of a donation of over 400 illustrated books to the GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts, which forms the centrepiece of the exhibition named “Written Read Designed”. Being one of Europe’s leading houses of design and applied arts, the permanent exhibitions include antiquity, historicism, art nouveau, contemporary and Asian art. Info: www.grassimak.de/en
a cappella – International Festival for Vocal Music (28 April to 6 May 2023)
This festival features concerts with vocal groups from all corners of the “a cappella world”. Whether genre stars, insider tips or up-and-coming ensembles – everything that is possible with the human voice gets a stage. The Leipzig “a cappella 2023” festival week stands for well-staffed concert venues and top-class singing, before a final concert brings these special days to a close. Info: www.a-cappella-festival.de/en
7 Lakes Hike in the Leipzig Region (5 to 7 May 2023)
The hiking event organized by Sportfreunde Neuseenland e. V. (Sports Friends New Lake Land Associaton) offers routes for young and old, for beginners and hiking professionals at the lakes surrounding Leipzig. The hiking routes vary in length, between 10 km and over 100 km. The routes are available to hikers via the Komoot app and can also serve as inspiration, registration for the 7 Lakes Hike is possible online. Info: www.7seen-wanderung.de
Velo-city 2023 – World Cycling Summit (9 to 12 May 2023)
In 2023 Leipzig will host the world’s most important cycling congress Velo-city. At the four-day World Cycling Summit, innovations and trends around the topic of cycling will be presented. But concerts and bicycle tours are also part of the program under the motto “Leading the Transition”. Around 1,400 delegates from over 60 countries are expected to attend. Info: www.velo-city2023.com
Mahler Festival – Gewandhaus Concert Hall (11 to 29 May 2023)
The symphonic works of Gustav Mahler are the focus of the Mahler Festival 2023. Leipzig and the Gewandhausorchester promise a uniquely authentic setting for the framework for the festival, as all of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies and other works will be performed with ten world-class orchestras. And leading Mahler interpreters can be experienced in the city, where Mahler became a symphonic composer. During the two years he spent in Leipzig, Mahler was conducting the Gewandhausorchester almost daily. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/mahler-festival
Premiere of Peter Grimes at Oper Leipzig (13 May 2023)
Oper Leipzig will delight with a premiere of Benjamin Britten’s opera Peter Grimes. The opera in a prologue and three acts will be performed in English with German surtitles. A young man dies in a small English fishing village. The village suspects that the outsider, the fisherman Peter Grimes, in whose service the dead man was, is to blame and gathers more and more united against him. The next Oper Leipzig Festival in summer 2024 will be dedicated to the theme of dance. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de/en
Off Europa – Festival for Contemporary Performing Arts (15 to 21 May 2023)
Under the motto “Off Europa: Home Landscapes”, the festival presents contemporary theatre and dance, films, performances and installations in various venues in Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz that deal with the theme of “home” in the broadest sense. Info: www.offeuropa.de
Wunderhorn Festival – KLASSIK underground at Moritzbastei (19 to 22 May 2023)
KLASSIK Underground fuses classical music with 21st century urban nightlife. Parallel to the Mahler Festival 2023 of the Gewandhausorchester, the Wunderhorn Festival will bring together musicians from guest orchestras participating in the Mahler Festival for special concerts in the neighbouring Moritzbastei. These concerts will be presented after each of the official concerts in the Gewandhaus Concert Hall as aftershows sessions. As a unifying element of the four evenings, the actors Benjamin Mahns-Mardy and Armin Zarbock will recite songs from “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” (The Boy’s Magic Horn). The Moritzbastei is the last remaining part of Leipzig’s old city fortifications and today an important event and cultural centre.
Info: www.klassikunderground.de and www.moritzbastei.de
29th WGT Festival – Wave Gothic Festival (26 to 29 May 2023)
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) has been fascinating thousands of fans of the Gothic scene from all over the world since 1992. During the four days of the festival, around 20,000 visitors can enjoy concerts and a wide range of parties, performances, exhibitions and medieval markets. A highlight of the WGT is the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park. The festival takes place at about 50 different venues at the same time, spread all over the city of Leipzig. Info: www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/english
Mendelssohn in Spring – Concerts and Guided Tours (2 to 4 June 2023)
Mendelssohn’s Spring Weekend starts with the opening of a special exhibition on the history of the Mendelssohn House and with an extensive contemplation of its most famous inhabitant. The musical program features internationally renowned artists and the concerts will take place in the historic music salon and in the garden of the Mendelssohn House. Info: www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de/de
Bach Festival Leipzig “BACH for Future” honouring 300th Anniversary of Bach’s Arrival in Leipzig (8 to 18 June 2023)
The Bach Festival is one of the most important international music festivals. This year the New Bach Association, founded in 1900, will celebrate the Bach Festival Leipzig from 8 to 18 June 2023 honouring the 300th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s debut as Thomascantor. Under the motto “BACH for Future” it looks back on 300 years of Bach in Leipzig at Bach’s original venues and presents his music in new contexts, surprising adaptations and new interpretations of well-known works. Renowned performers from all over the world can be experienced over eleven days in more than 140 events, including the St Thomas Boys’ Choir and the Gewandhausorchester. In addition, the sustainable project “A Forest for Bach” will continue to offset the CO2 emissions of the participants from six continents. The location at Lake Störmthal is special because Bach inspected the new Hildebrandt organ in the Störmthal village church and played his cantata “Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest” a few months after taking office as Thomascantor in 1723. A total of 25 hectares are to be planted at the Bach Forest. Info: www.bachfestleipzig.de/en/bachfest
Lortzing Weekend at Oper Leipzig (10 to 11 June 2023)
The famous composer Gustav Albert Lortzing is celebrated at the Leipzig Oper and the Musikalische Komödie (Musical Comedy Theatre). Visitors will gain an exciting insight into his impressive, humorous and sometimes tragic life and work. Performances include his romantic magic opera Undine and the comic opera Wildschütz. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de/en/musicalcomedytheatrevenue
Newcomer Show – International Varieté Festival (29 June to 2 July 2023)
From the graduates of renowned circus schools and artists from all over the world, Krystallpalast Varieté selects the best up-and-coming artists and presents them in a show full of artistry, comedy and spectacular new variety genres. None of them has ever performed in a German Varieté before. An expert jury decides on the awarding of the prizes, which are traditionally linked to engagements at the respective Varietés. Info: www.krystallpalast.de/en
Klassik airleben – Open-air Concerts at Rosental Park (30 June to 1 July 2023)
The two open-air concerts are the summer highlight and conclusion of the Gewandhausorchester’s season, featuring Andris Nelsons as conductor and Martin Grubinger on drums. Every year, the unique flair of Klassik airleben attracts a large audience to the big meadow in Leipzig’s Rosental Park. Admission is free and guests can bring their own blankets, picnic and drinks. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en
Highfield Festival at Lake Störmthal (18 to 20 August 2023)
The indie rock outdoor festival takes place at Lake Störmthal in Großpösna – about 30 minutes south-east of Leipzig city centre. The approximately 35,000 festival fans can rock out to bands from pop to punk, from rock to rap. This year, bands such as Die Ärzte and Giant Rooks from Germany, as well as Nothing But Thieves and You Me At Six, from UK, have confirmed their participation. Info: highfield.de/en
Con Spirito – The Leipzig Chamber Music Festival (3 to 10 September 2023)
International stars of the chamber music scene spread a festival atmosphere in the city of music Leipzig for one week. Visitors can listen to music at authentic venues and take a journey to European cultural heritage sites, the salons and places of activity of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Johann Sebastian Bach, Edvard Grieg, Richard Wagner as well as Clara and Robert Schumann. Info: www.conspiritoleipzig.de/en
66th DOK Leipzig – Two-division Film Festival (8 to 15 October 2023)
DOK Leipzig is one of the leading international festivals for artistic documentary and animation film. In view of its tradition as a “window to the world”, it attracts thousands of visitors as well as filmmakers, producers, distributors and festival makers to the Saxon metropolis every year. Info: www.dok-leipzig.de/en
Leipzig Festival of Lights – Day of the Peaceful Revolution 1989 (9 October 2023)
The first big Monday demonstration in Leipzig, which is regarded as the breakthrough for the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 in East Germany, is commemorated annually on 9 October. On this day, the focus is on the Prayer for Peace and the Speech on Democracy at St Nicholas Church, as well as on the Leipzig Festival of Lights. Every year about 3-4 light installations will be developed by international artists and presented at several sites within the Leipzig city centre. For the 35th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution in 2024 the Festival of Lights will have about 15 outdoor artistic projects to be presented along Leipzig’s inner city ring road. Info: www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/home.html and www.herbst89.de
210th Anniversary of the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig (13 to 15 October 2023)
Every year in October, military history associations from Europe gather in Leipzig and Markkleeberg to commemorate the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig together. Half a million soldiers from all over Europe fought for the political future of the continent and the decisive battles at Leipzig from 14 to 19 October 1813 sealed the end of the Napoleonic era in Europe. In 2023 around 2,000 historically uniformed participants are expected to take part, including bivouacs, a battle re-enactment and civilian scenes at the authentic sites south of Leipzig. Info: www.leipzig1813.de and www.stadtgeschichtliches-museum-leipzig.de/en
46. Leipzig Jazz Days (14 to 22 October 2023)
The Leipzig Jazz Days with a tradition of more than 40 years of jazz festival culture will once again transform the city into an international jazz metropolis. The Jazzclub Leipzig presents more than 100 musicians from all over the world being a reference for modern and avant-garde jazz. Big names in jazz, as well as innovative newcomers, play at the venerable Opera House, in churches, but also in trendy clubs and off-locations in the city. Info: www.jazzclub-leipzig.de/en/leipziger-jazztage
33. Lachmesse – International Humor and Satire Festival (15 to 22 October 2023)
The Lachmesse (laughing fair) is Germany’s largest international cabaret festival. This year, the European Humor and Satire Festival Leipzig will once again present around 100 events with over 160 artists from up to nine nations on fourteen Leipzig stages for eight days in October. The festival offers a mix of political satire, cabaret, music and sophisticated comedy. Info: www.lachmesse.de
GRASSIMESSE Leipzig – GRASSI Museum Quarter (20 to 22 October 2023)
During the GRASSIMESSE, contemporary artists, artisans, craftspeople and designers from all over Europe meet and can be discovered at the GRASSI Museum Quarter. It is an art exhibition and sales fair in one and one of the most important international sales fairs for applied art and product design. The exhibitors offer unique pieces, small series and exemplary industrial products from the fields of textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, metal, leather, paper and toys. Every year, a jury of experts selects the exhibitors according to high quality standards. Info: www.grassimesse.de/en
Mendelssohn Festival Days (31 October to 5 November 2023)
They are a part of the international brand “City of Music: Leipzig”. In cooperation between the Gewandhaus Leipzig and the Mendelssohn House, there is a select festival program every year around the anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s death on 4 November with symphony concerts, chamber musicians and discussion formats. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en and www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de/en
33. euro-scene – European Dance and Theatre Festival (7 to 12 November 2023)
Founded in 1991, the festival brings experimental contemporary theatre and innovative dance from all over Europe to Leipzig. The euro-scene Leipzig is the only festival for contemporary theatre and modern dance in the east of Germany and is one of the most important of its kind in Europe. Info: www.euro-scene.de
Leipzig Christmas Market (28 November to 23 December 2023)
Its tradition dates back to 1458. About 300 stalls of the Leipzig Christmas Market invite visitors to linger in five market areas. The range of artisan goods and regional delicacies on offer is framed by concerts of the St Thomas Boys Choir, performances by the tower brass band on the balcony of the Old Town Hall, and a festive program of activities. Families with children are particularly attracted by Father Christmas’ consultation hour, numerous rides, a historic tiered carousel and the magical fairytale forest in front of the Leipzig Opera House. Info: www.leipzig.de/weihnachtsmarkt
New Year’s Eve in Leipzig (31 December 2023)
Traditional, cultural, merry or contemplative – the turn of the year in Leipzig is unforgettable! Numerous stages and venues organize a special program. The indispensable highlight is the great New Year’s Eve concert of the Gewandhausorchester or a New Year’s Eve party at Panorama Tower, the highest restaurant in Central Germany with a fantastic panoramic view of Leipzig’s fireworks. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en and panorama-leipzig.de/en
Foro di copertina: © Michael Bader
