The HAMBACHERMusikFEST was founded in 1997 under the artistic direction of the Mandelring Quartet, and takes place each year during the week of Corpus Christi. The success of this international festival of chamber music is determined by a happy combination of high musical standards and delightful concert venues, such as Hambach’s famous Schloss, two idyllic wine estates, and the town’s beautiful baroque church.

In 2009 the Mandelring Quartet, which hosts the Festival, has invited notable musicians from England – the Emperor Quartet and the pianist Ian Fountain – to add an English accent with works by Britten, Elgar and Bridge. This year we also celebrate the 200th birthday of Mendelssohn, a composer whose reputation has been greatly enhanced in recent years: the programme includes his complete chamber music for strings.

The Mandelring Quartet, based in Neustadt on Germany’s Weinstrasse, has won prestigious music competitions such as the ARD-Wettbewerb in Munich and the Evian string quartet competition; it has also been awarded Italy’s Premio Paolo Borciani prize, and is today one of the world’s leading string quartets. Its busy world-wide concert schedule, and the numerous accolades awarded to its CD productions, testify to its outstanding reputation. In addition to presenting the core chamber music repertoire the Mandelring Quartet also offers a constant flow of works by little-known composers, including some rewarding discoveries.

Information on the Festival can be found by calling +49 6321 92043 or here.