Rathenower Tage für Neue Musik 2026

The Rathenower Tage für Neue Musik 2026 is a festival of contemporary music held in the small East German town of Rathenow, focusing on artistic exchange among audiences with diverse aesthetic, political, and educational backgrounds.

“Culture for All!” That is the slogan artists, supporters, and curators carry forward. And although this is meant quite seriously, art itself often becomes more accessible and scaled down in order to reach the broadest possible audience, to the point where it threatens to blur into a mere “togetherness.” And as wonderful as that is: there is a more complex culture, an art that is inherently political and fosters community and discourse.

The Rathenower Tage für Neue Musik open up access to new and abstract music without requiring the content to be simplistic. The level isn’t lowered for “everyone,” but rather the opportunity is offered to develop enjoyment and interest at a high level. This does not mean that everyone must love all art; rather, it is about curiosity, about the willingness to debate with those who hold different opinions and to reflect on aesthetics.

Over three days, from August 28 to 30, concerts, lectures, discussions, workshops, and participatory activities will take place at various venues in Rathenow. This year, there will be a special focus on new music theater, featuring two world premieres of operas.

The Rathenower Tage für Neue Musik 2026 are made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

Further information:
rtfnm.de

Dates

August 28–30, 2026
Various locations, Rathenow