Zett_Emm_2026 International!

Zett Emm—a festival created specifically for young people—was designed to present contemporary music and dance in an open, accessible, and engaging way. Organized by the Rheinische Musikschule Köln, the festival combines short concerts, performances, workshops, audiovisual projects, and discussions in a relaxed atmosphere with free admission for all visitors.

The program showcases children, teenagers, and students as performers and composers, many presenting original works developed in composition classes and creative workshops. The artistic range includes experimental music, improvisation, electronic composition, sound art, dance, and contemporary performance formats. To keep the experience dynamic and approachable, concerts are intentionally brief and highly varied.

The festival takes place at the cultural center Alte Feuerwache Köln, which provides concert halls, workshop spaces, a cinema hall, and flexible areas for installations and spontaneous performances. Additional events are planned at the Flora Köln and potentially at the Cologne Philharmonie.

In 2026, Zett Emm will expand internationally through a partnership with the Conservatory of Turku in Finland, including artistic exchange visits and a planned composition award for different age groups.

Alongside the performances, visitors can participate in workshops, experience audiovisual works by students from partner universities, and engage directly with young artists in moderated talks about creativity, motivation, and contemporary music.

The festival aims create a space where young audiences can experience new artistic forms through the work of their peers. In recent years, Zett Emm has received strong public and media attention and has established itself as a vibrant platform for creativity, participation, and cultural exchange.

Zett Emm is supported by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

Further Information:
stadt-koeln.de

Dates

May 14, 2026
Kölner Philharmonie

May 31, 2026
Flora, Köln

November 7, 2026
Alte Feuerwache, Köln