76 years of Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth:
Concerts – workshops – events.

The 76th Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth will take place in July and August 2026 under the general theme of “RE:SONANZ.”

The Festival

The music of the future is playing in Bayreuth. The 76th Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth will take place in July and August 2026 under the general theme of “RE:SONANZ.”

The Program

The program for the 76th Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth in 2026 is currently being put together.
It will feature a wide variety of concerts, workshops, and events!

76. Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth


Dear visitors,
dear friends of the festival,

Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth,– a success story since 1950

Since more as 75 years, Bayreuth has been a place where young artists from all over the world come together, learn from each other, work together, and shape the future. What began in 1950 as a courageous initiative is now a vibrant international network, an innovative platform, a space for encounter, experimentation, and artistic excellence – driven by curiosity, openness, and a belief in the unifying power of art.

75 years of the Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth, means 75 years of intensive academic work, intercultural exchange, artistic courage, and continuous renewal. This history fills us with pride – and at the same time inspires us to constantly rethink the festival: as a place of education, as a laboratory for the future, and as a platform for young talents who shape our society artistically and humanely.

Looking ahead, we are focusing on the 2026 festival year under the motto RE:SONANCE. Resonance describes what our festival is all about: listening, responding, resonating. When young people from different cultures meet, it not only sparks artistic inspiration, but also builds trust, dialogue, and perspectives for peaceful coexistence. RE:SONANCE thus stands for artistic depth as well as social responsibility.

This attitude also shapes our values. We consciously open up wide spaces for resonance—for everyone who wants to listen and watch. Our concerts are accessible without financial barriers: instead of expensive ticket prices, we apply the principle of “pay what you think it's worth.” This makes music accessible to everyone – young people as well as seniors, curious minds, students, families, or people on a smaller budget. Art should connect, not exclude. This openness clearly sets us apart and is an expression of our non-profit identity.

Our long-standing tradition is both a foundation and an obligation. We face current challenges, develop new forms of cooperation, strengthen diversity and sustainability, and remain a festival that not only addresses the future, but actively shapes it – a “true festival of the future,” as our patron Markus Blume put it.

We cordially invite you to be part of this story, to discover spaces of resonance, and to listen to the future together with us. Updates and dates will follow shortly.

With great anticipation

Prof. Fredrik Schwenk, Artistic Director
Dr. h. c. Sissy Thammer, Festival Director

Greetings on our 75th anniversary

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

a true festival of the future.
Here, young artists meet young cultural managers from all over the world to explore new forms of music in a unique combination – from musical theater to chamber music, from baroque music to contemporary compositions.
Innovative formats give rise to exciting experiments with music, theater, film, literature, art, and the possibilities of artificial intelligence. The audience can look forward to very special encounters and concert experiences!
Just as important as the artistic results is the forward-looking process of their creation. Interdisciplinary exchange of experiences, encounters with the cultures of other countries, and intercultural horizon broadening are therefore lived practice at the Young Artists Festival Bayreuth.

- Markus Blume, Bavarian Minister of State for Science and the Arts

Photo: Steffen Böttcher

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

an integral part of the city and an enrichment for the citizens and our guests!
During the festival season, the young musicians transform Bayreuth's city center into an open-air stage: they present their musical skills in many places and invite you to linger.
The Festival of Young Artists is also a place where people make music together, regardless of origin or religion - the language that is understood all over the world.
That's why the Festival of Young Artists fits perfectly into our colorful and cosmopolitan Bayreuth!

- Thomas Ebersberger, Lord Mayor of the City of Bayreuth

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

an intercultural stage that has been shining out into the whole world since 1950 and making a contribution to international understanding.
The international participants and management trainees practice cosmopolitanism and experience holistic personal education through an interdisciplinary approach to musical works, especially Richard Wagner, and through organizational cooperation. During the festival period, the audience enjoys the numerous concerts throughout the region.
Congratulations to this important festival on its 75th anniversary!

- Florian Wiedemann, District Administrator of the District of Bayreuth

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

a real beacon in our region!
Not only because the festival brings together young artists from all over the world, but also because of its radiance in the city of Bayreuth and the surrounding area.
The Rainer Markgraf Foundation has been supporting and promoting the festival for 10 years, continuing the tradition of the Markgraf family. For us, the festival is one of five flagship projects in the region and therefore receives annual funding.
On its 75th anniversary, I wish our lighthouse that its rays will continue to light up the eyes of so many people. Congratulations!

- Florian Porsch, Rainer Markgraf Foundation

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

an institution far beyond the borders of Bayreuth. It not only enriches the city culturally, but also enlivens the cityscape with young, cheerful people.
The importance of the festival has continued to grow in recent years due to its role in bringing people together. And it is the basis of a constantly growing international network of former participants that has Bayreuth as its common denominator.
Happy birthday, Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth!

- Dr. Manuel Becher, Managing Director BMTG

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

an integral part of the cultural scene in Upper Franconia and a wonderful opportunity to experience fresh and innovative artistic approaches.
All the best for the 75th anniversary!

- Stefan Seewald, Managing Director Upper Franconia Foundation

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

just as valuable today as it was 75 years ago! Not only does it bring together artists from all over the world, it also brings the whole world to Bayreuth.
Here's to many more years of musical experiences, international understanding, youth development and the joy of working together!

- Dr. Andreas Zippel, 2nd Mayor of the City of Bayreuth

The Festival of Young Artists in Bayreuth is …

an artistic and intercultural institution in Bayreuth!
This year's anniversary is impressive proof of how firmly rooted this outstanding event is among all musicians, but also in Bayreuth society. I find the deep passion for music, the diversity of the young participants and the unique cooperation characterized by trust and empathy impressive!
I wish the festival all the best for its anniversary, and here's to 75 more years full of creativity and E:Motion!

- Eva Christina Bär, Head of Cultural Affairs for the City of Bayreuth

Stepping Stone

Educational project “Stepping Stone” - interdisciplinary, compassionate education

The Academy

Participate actively in the Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth by joining one of its 16 workshops.

Sponsorship

Friends and supporters of the Festival of Young Artists Bayreuth

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