City Anniversary “We are 1050”
Torgau, one of the most beautiful Renaissance towns in Germany, was first mentioned on June 5, 973. The former Saxony residence looks back on 1050 eventful years – with a princely program of festivals well into the autumn.
Between June and September, many facets of the city’s rich history can be experienced by visitors of all ages. A special highlight will be the festival week from September 18th to 24th with impressive light art, a magnificent royal wedding in the castle courtyard and a historical parade. The people of Torgau and their guests can also look forward to a varied entertainment program and experience various themed miles such as the Renaissance market, blue light mile and an intercultural mile.
The anniversary year begins with the performance of Heinrich Schütz’s opera “Dafne” on June 4th by the International Saxon Singers’ Academy in cooperation with the University of Music and Theater “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy” in Leipzig and the city of Torgau. The opera was commissioned and premiered on the occasion of the wedding of the Saxon Duchess Sophie Eleonore and the Hessian Landgrave Georg II at Hartenfels Castle in 1627, which can be experienced with historical actors and a courtly festival program on September 23rd and 24th at the festival weekend. A successful programmatic connection in the festival year, which brings Torgau’s important history to life.
Also on June 4th, the Katharina von Bora Prize for outstanding charitable commitment by women will be awarded for the eighth time. The city of Torgau awards this prize together with the Saxon State Ministry of Justice and for Democracy, Europe and Equality under the patronage of Minister of State Katja Meier.
Elbklang Music Festival I July 1, 8 p.m. I Hartenfels Castle I Free admission
Opera performance “Dafne” I June 4, 5 p.m. I Hartenfels Castle Admission: 20 € p. P. 5 € reduced (pupils, students, trainees) Ticket sale: Torgau Information Center
“Sleeping Beauty” – family concert to kick off the Torgau Festival Week of Church Music I June 24, 6 p.m. I Hartenfels Castle Admission: €11 pp, reduced €6 I Ticket sale: Torgau Information Center
Joint concert of the Torgau choirs I September 17, 5.30 p.m. I St. Marien church I Free admission
Festival weekend I light art, princely wedding, parade Torgau old town I free entry, September 22nd & 23rd
The history of Torgau is “told” with impressive pictures in the castle courtyard. Together with performers from the Mittelsächsischer Kultursommer e. V. and other clubs involved, Torgau’s important past as the main residence of the Ernestine electors will come alive on September 23rd and 24th with a magnificent royal wedding. You can experience the wedding ceremony followed by a feast and a courtly program in front of the unique backdrop of the famous Wendelstein of Hartenfels Castle. With more than 40 slides, ten of them historical, a comprehensive festival parade rounds off the anniversary year and the festival weekend on September 24 with dignity. Numerous associations and institutions are involved.