Not only is The Handel Festival the largest music festival in Saxony-Anhalt, but it is also one of the oldest and most renowned baroque music festivals in Europe. Taking place in Halle, the birth city of famous Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, the international event will see over 1.000 artists from across the globe coming together to host over 100 events in 20 different venues.

The most famous baroque music festival in Europe

The Handel Festival in Halle first took place in 1922, showcasing the German composer's oratorios Semele and Susanna alongside lesser-known works by Handel and other Halle composers from the 16th to the 19th century. Since the festival was founded, 34 of Handel's 42 operas have been staged in over 100 productions, drawing thousands of visitors.

The annual festival presents a selection of Handel's best-known works alongside other iconic baroque operas, oratorios and concerts. The theme for the year will be "Oh là là! Handel? - French Inspirations", promising a plethora of performances like magnificent operas, harmonious orchestra symphonies, musical displays, and much more. 

The multifaceted programme includes cross-genre events for families and admission-free concerts, as well as talks, walking tours and the annual academic conference. Visitors can enjoy various types of music styles throughout the summer festival, ranging from classical to baroque. 

Image credit: Patricia Reese

Hundreds of musical performances in historical Handel venues

Unlike other Handel festivals in different cities, the Handel Festival in Halle brings the composer's work to life in unique concert venues in the city where he was born and spent most of his formative years studying and working.

The 2019 Handel Festival in Halle saw two new venues opening their doors to the public: the New Theatre (Neues Theater) ​​Kammer auditorium and the Magdeburg Opera House, to stage the German premiere of Cagliostros Spiegel and the opera Xerxes respectively.

Image credit: Thomas Ziegler

Planning your visit to the Handel Festival 2025

Although there are several free concerts and events taking place during the Handel Festival in Halle, if you are planning on attending a particular opera or oratorio by the German composer then be sure to check out the Handel Festival website (available in English) and book your tickets online now.

Thumb image credit: Thomas Ziegler