Music lovers, Halle residents and representatives from the world of culture and politics will be gathering together on Halle’s Marktplatz for the official opening of the 2026 Handel Festival – and, for the first time in a long time, not in front of the Handel monument, but on the opposite side of Marktplatz, outside the church where Handel was baptised: the Marktkirche Unser Lieben Frauen. On a festively decorated Marktplatz, we’ll be tuning up for the festival period ahead when, for ten days, we’ll be hearing and celebrating music that explores the theme of Images of men: heroes, rulers, heartbreakers from some very different perspectives. The official opening ceremony also marks the start of the three-day music and wine event In Händel Veritas. Musik und Wein für (H)alle, on Marktplatz (“In Handel veritas. Music and wine for (H)all(e)”), an eclectic programme with culinary highlights. A convivial prelude under the open sky heralding in the start of the Handel Festival.
Musical directors: Clemens Flämig, Daniel Spogis
Stadtsingechor zu Halle
Academic Orchestra of Martin Luther Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Pfeiferstuhl Music Halle
Halle Salt-Workers Brotherhood in the Halle Valley
Free entry
Dauer: ca. 60 Minuten