ITINERARY

DAY 1 | MONDAY 10 MAY 2027

1ST OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

ARRIVE LEIPZIG, WELCOME DRINKS & CANAPÉS RECEPTION, CONCERT 1:

We arrive and check in at the luxurious and centrally-located hotel, Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time.

In the late afternoon, we meet our Tour Leader, Graham Abbott, and our fellow guests, for a welcome drinks and canapés reception at the hotel. We then enjoy the first of our pre-performance talks on the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven with Graham Abbott.

After our talk, we make our way to the Gewandhaus for the opening concert in the Beethoven Festival 2027.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 1, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Music to Goethe’s Tragedy, Egmont, for soprano, speaker and orchestra, Op. 84
Interval
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Anna Prohaska soprano
Tobias Moretti speaker

DAY 2 | TUESDAY 11 MAY 2027

2ND OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG WALKING TOUR, LUNCH, OPTIONAL CONCERT (B, L):

To familiarise ourselves with Leipzig, this morning we enjoy a private guided walking tour of the historic Old Centre. We see many of the city’s iconic buildings and local places of interest, including the Thomaskirche, Nikolaikirche, the Altes Rathaus, Auerbachs Keller, Barthels Hof, and more. We hear about Leipzig's history as a centre of music, trade, publishing and culture.

We then enjoy a delicious lunch together, to mark our first full day in Leipzig, at one of the city’s top dining destinations.

The late afternoon and evening are free to rest or for further exploration of the city. Leipzig has unsurpassed associations with many famous composers and the Leipzig Notenspur (Musical Trail) is a guided, five-kilometre cultural heritage walk, where all stops are within easy walking distance of each other. At every stop, audio examples and information offer exciting insights. You can begin and end your tour at any of the stops.

This evening, there is an optional concert at the Beethoven Festival 2027, one of two opportunities to hear Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, which will otherwise not appear in the main Festival program.

OPTIONAL BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Sinfonie – Rekomposition: BFree – Ode an die Freiheit (Ode to Freedom)

Stegreif Orchester

Experience Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in an extraordinary, recomposed version by the Stegreif Orchestra.

DAY 3 | WEDNESDAY 12 MAY 2027

3RD OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

BACH MUSUEUM GUIDED TOUR, CONCERT 2 (B):

This morning, time is allowed to visit an optional exhibition about former Gewandhaus Kapellmeister Kurt Masur.

OPTIONAL BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL EXHIBITION, 10:00am

Kurt Masur and the Leipzig Gewandhaus 1970–1995
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Further information will be provided on this event as it becomes available.

This afternoon, we have the wonderful opportunity of a guided tour of the Bach Museum. The museum is located in Bosehaus, considered one of Leipzig's most important Renaissance buildings. In Bach's day it was the residence of the Bose family, affluent merchants and close friends of the Bach family who lived just across the street in the old Thomasschule, which was demolished in 1902. The Bosehaus, 16th-century in origin, was updated by Bose to the baroque style. In the 1980s it was decided that the Bosehaus would be appropriate to house the Leipzig Bach Archive, widely recognised as the world’s pre-eminent centre of Bach scholarship, with its research on Johann Sebastian Bach’s life and works and on the extended Bach family of musicians. It includes a research institute, a library, a museum, including several original Bach manuscripts, and an events department.

In the early evening, we enjoy the second of our pre-performance talks with Tour Leader Graham Abbott, followed by an evening concert.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 2, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Interval
Beethoven Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Beethoven Fantasy in C minor, Op. 80, Choral Fantasy

Gewandhausorchester
Gewandhaus Choir
Andris Nelsons conductor
Giorgi Gigashvili piano

DAY 4 | THURSDAY 13 MAY 2027

4TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

DAY TRIP TO HALLE, CONCERT 3 (B):

We have a morning excursion to Halle today to enjoy the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. Our trip through the winding streets will conclude at the renowned Marktkirche, where we will be given an introduction to this impressive building followed by some free time to explore it. There were two churches on the market square until the 16th-century when they were torn down except for the four towers, which were connected into one church in 1529 by a nave in the late gothic style. The resulting Marktkirche Unser Lieben Frauen (Market Church of Our Dear Lady) is considered one of the most important late Gothic buildings in central Germany. The two original churches were catholic, but from the first service on Good Friday in 1541 the new church was a protestant church. Martin Luther gave three sermons here.

In 1685 George Frederic Handel was baptised in the Marktkirche. The small organ above the altar, built between 1663 and 1664, is one of the oldest in Central Germany and it is where the young Handel received his first organ lessons. In 1713, Bach was offered a post when he visited to advise on the renovation of the church’s great organ in the western gallery. Bach did not accept the post as he preferred to stay in Weimar; however, in 1716 he visited to do the final testing of the instrument and to play at its inauguration. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784), a son of J.S. Bach, worked as organist here from 1746 to 1764.

Following our guided tour, we have free time to enjoy Halle’s perfectly preserved historic city centre. You may like to explore the area around the Marktkirche, or find a cafe or restaurant where you can sit and relax and enjoy the ambience of this bustling city.

We then return to Leipzig, where we enjoy another early evening pre-performance talk with Graham Abbott, followed by an evening concert.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 3, 7:30pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Eleven Bagatelles, Op. 119
Beethoven Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat major, Op. 16
Interval
Beethoven Septet in E-flat major, Op. 20

Gewandhaus Octet

DAY 5 | FRIDAY 14 MAY 2027

5TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

MENDELSSOHN HOUSE GUIDED TOUR, LUNCH, CONCERT 4 (B, L):

This morning, we visit the Mendelssohn House for a an exclusive visit and private recital. The Mendelssohn House offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the Romantic era’s most beloved composers, Felix Mendelssohn. The last remaining residence of Mendelssohn, this beautifully restored home showcases original furnishings, manuscripts, letters and personal belongings that bring the composer’s world vividly to life. We will explore the rooms where Mendelssohn lived and worked, gaining insight into his remarkable musical achievements and his influence on 19th-century cultural life. Our visit culminates in a recital of works by Mendelssohn and his contemporaries, and possibly a little Beethoven too given our reason for being in Leipzig.

Following our visit, we journey to one of Leipzig’s finest eateries for a delicious group lunch together.

In the early evening, we find out more about Beethoven in a pre-performance talk from Graham Abbott, followed by our evening concert.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 4, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61
Interval
Beethoven Ah! Perfido – Scenes and arias for soprano and orchestra, Op. 65
Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Leonidas Kavakos violin
Anna Prohaska soprano

DAY 6 | SATURDAY 15 MAY 2027

6TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, CONCERTS 5 & 6 (B):

This morning, we attend a pre-performance talk on the music featured in our two concerts today.

The early afternoon is then free. You may choose to rest, or to follow the Notenspur (Musical Trail) to a few more stops. Or, you might consider visiting the remarkable Battle of the Nations Monument, the largest war memorial in Europe, completed in 1913 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig in 1813. There is a viewing platform on the monument which offers a spectacular view across the city. The monument is a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 5, 3:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven String Quartet in F major, Op. 18/1
Beethoven String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 74, Harp Quartet
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in E minor, Op. 59/2

Gewandhaus Quartet

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 6, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 2/1
Beethoven Sonata in D minor, Op. 31/2, The Storm
Interval
Beethoven Sonatina in G major, Op. 79
Beethoven Sonata in C major, Op. 53, Waldstein

Igor Levit piano

DAY 7 | SUNDAY 16 MAY 2027

7TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, CONCERTS 7 & 8, OPTIONAL OPERA PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, we enjoy a pre-performance talk with Graham Abbott, followed by two concerts at the Beethoven Festival.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 7, 11:00am
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
Interval
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55, Eroica

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Lang Lang piano

Time is allowed for an independent lunch. We then return to the Mendelssohn-Saal for an afternoon of Beethoven quartets.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 8, 3:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Sonata E major, Op. 14/1 (arr. for string quartet)
Beethoven String Quartet in G major, Op. 18/2
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 130

Gewandhaus Quartet

This evening is free, however, there is an opportunity to attend a performance of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte at Oper Leipzig.

OPTIONAL OPERA, 7:00pm
Oper Leipzig

Mozart Die Zauberflöte

Cast TBA

DAY 8 | MONDAY 17 MAY 2027

8TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, CONCERTS 9 & 10, OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, following our pre-performance talk with Graham Abbott, we return to the Gewandhaus for a morning recital with pianist Igor Levit.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 9, 11:00am
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 10/1
Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 13, Pathétique
Interval
Beethoven Sonata in F major, Op. 54
Beethoven Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, Appassionata

Igor Levit piano

Time is allowed for an independent lunch, and we then return to the Gewandhaus for another afternoon of string quartets.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 10, 3:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven String Quartet in D major, Op. 18/3
Beethoven Grosse Fuge in B-flat major, Op. 133
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 127

Gewandhaus Quartet

This evening is free, or there is another opportunity to hear the Ninth Symphony in an alternate version, with an optional performance.

OPTIONAL BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
(version for soloists, choir, two pianos and timpani, based on the arrangement for two pianos by Franz Liszt)

Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy pianos
Tom Greenleaves timpani
Marie Smolka soprano
Susan Zarrabi alto
Christopher Willoughby tenor
Gerrit Illenberger bass
Gewandhaus Choir
Gregor Meyer conductor

DAY 9 | TUESDAY 18 MAY 2027

9TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

DAY TRIP TO DRESDEN, CONCERT 11 (B):

Today, we journey to the beautiful and historically significant city of Dresden. Strolling through the magnificent Old Town, we will encounter a remarkable collection of restored Baroque architecture, grand squares, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Dresden’s rich past. Our walking tour will include the majestic Frauenkirche, the impressive Zwinger Palace, and the elegant Semper Opera House. Along the way, our guide will bring the city’s rich history to life, from its royal Saxon heritage to its post-war reconstruction.

Following our walking tour, time is allowed for lunch at one of the cities charming cafes, and to visit one of the many art galleries or palaces. We then return to Leipzig.

In the early evening, we enjoy our pre-performance talk before returning to the Gewandhaus for a chamber music recital from violinist Julia Fischer, cellist Marie-Elisabeth Hecker and pianist Martin Helmchen.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 11, 7:30pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano in D major, Op. 12/1|
Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano in A major, Op. 69
Interval
Beethoven Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello in D major, Op. 70/1

Julia Fischer violin
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker cello
Martin Helmchen piano

DAY 10 | WEDNESDAY 19 MAY 2027

10TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS GUIDED TOUR, LUNCH, CONCERT 12 (B, L):

This morning, we enjoy our insightful pre-performance talk from Graham Abbott, followed by a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts for a guided tour.

A visit to Leipzig’s Museum of Fine Arts offers an inspiring journey through more than seven centuries of European art. Housed in a striking modern building in the heart of the city, the museum boasts an outstanding collection ranging from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. Our guided tour will include works by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Caspar David Friedrich, and Max Klinger, whose works have strong connections to Leipzig’s cultural heritage.

Following our visit, we enjoy a wonderful group lunch together.

This evening, Lang Lang returns to the Festival, for a performance of the Fourth Piano Concerto.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 12, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Jörg Widmann Overture on BACH after late sketches by Ludwig van Beethoven
(World premiere, joint commission by the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Orquesta Nacional de España and the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra)
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58
Interval
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Lang Lang piano

DAY 11 | THURSDAY 20 MAY 2027

11TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

DAY TRIP TO NAUMBURG, CONCERT 13 (B):

Today, we visit the town of Naumburg, which offers a delightful blend of medieval history, architecture, and Saxon charm. Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of the Saale-Unstrut wine region, this historic town is best known for its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s greatest Gothic monuments. Our guided walking tour will include the cathedral, where we can marvel at its celebrated statues, including the iconic Uta of Naumburg, and we can explore its beautifully preserved cloisters and chapels. Beyond the cathedral, our tour will take in Naumburg’s cobbled streets, elegant market square, and half-timbered houses, which provide a glimpse into centuries of history.

Following our guided tour, time is allowed for an independent lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the bustling main market square.

We then return to Leipzig, for an early evening pre-performance talk and a chamber music recital with Julia Fisher, Marie-Elisabeth Hecker and Martin Helmchen.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 13, 7:30pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Seven Variations on the Duet Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen from Mozart's The Magic Flute for Cello and Piano in E-flat major, WoO 46
Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano in C minor, Op. 30/2
Interval
Beethoven Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello in B-flat major, Op. 97, Archduke Trio

Julia Fischer violin
Marie-Elisabeth Hecker cello
Martin Helmchen piano

DAY 12 | FRIDAY 21 MAY 2027

12TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, CONCERTS 14 & 15 (B):

This morning begins with a pre-performance talk with Graham Abbott.

The late morning and early afternoon are then free for some rest, or some continued exploration of Leipzig. You might like to visit the nearby Grassi Museum, with its Museum of Musical Instruments, of take a stroll to the Schumann House, where Robert and Clara Schumann lived for the first four years of their marriage.

We then attend two concerts at the Beethoven Festival.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 14, 3:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18/4
Beethoven String Quartet in C major, Op. 59/3
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132

Gewandhaus Quartet

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 15, 7:30pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, Pastorale
Interval
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Lang Lang piano

DAY 13 | SATURDAY 22 MAY 2027

13TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, LUNCH, CONCERT 16, OPTIONAL CONCERT (B, L):

This morning, following our pre-performance talk, we enjoy a delicious group lunch at one of Leipzig’s top dining destinations, to mark the nearing conclusion of our time together in Leipzig.

We then attend an afternoon concert from the Gewandhaus Quartet.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 16, 3:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven String Quartet in A major, Op. 18/5
Beethoven String Quartet in F minor, Op. 95, Quartetto serioso
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in F major, Op. 59/1

Gewandhaus Quartet

The evening is then free, of alternatively, for any fans of jazz (and Beethoven), there is an optional evening performance at the Gewandhaus.

OPTIONAL BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT, 9:00pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Vision & Breakdown – Beethoven goes Jazz

Michael Wollny piano
vision string quartet
Jazzrausch Bigband

DAY 14 | SUNDAY 23 MAY 2027

14TH OF 14 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER ICON GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF

LEIPZIG, CONCERTS 17 & 18, FAREWELL DRINKS & CANAPÉS RECEPTION (B):

This morning, we enjoy our final pre-performance talk with Tour Leader Graham Abbott, to wrap up our wonderful learnings from the last two weeks.

We then attend the final two concerts at the Beethoven Festival 2027.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 17, 1:00pm
Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 18/6
Beethoven String Quartet in F major, Op. 135
Interval
Beethoven String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131

Gewandhaus Quartet

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL CONCERT 18, 6:00pm
Großer Saal, Gewandhaus

Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Interval
Beethoven Concerto for Piano, Violin, Cello and Orchestra in C major, Op. 56, Triple Concerto

Gewandhausorchester
Andris Nelsons conductor
Leonidas Kavakos violin
Pablo Ferrández cello
Lang Lang piano

DAY 15 | MONDAY 24 MAY 2027

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

INCLUSIONS

10–24 MAY 2027 (15 DAYS)

AUD$14,250 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$2,650
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$2,500 per person (due on 11 January 2027)
Final payment due: 8 March 2027

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets to 18 performances at the prestigious Beethoven Festival 2027. Four optional Festival performances and one optional opera performance at Oper Leipzig will be charged separately if guests would like to include them.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive background talks by Graham Abbott.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotel: 14 nights' accommodation at the luxurious and centrally located Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof, Leipzig in a Superior Room. Porterage of one piece of luggage.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Four lunches with wine, water and tea/coffee, and welcome and farewell drinks and canapés receptions.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will confirm the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 2

For the benefit of the tour group, all members of the tour must have the ability to:

• negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance;

• use a combined shower/bath (please note that we cannot guarantee walk-in shower facilities at all hotels);

• undertake walking tours of one-two hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for long periods in museums, art galleries etc;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains, boats and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL IN LEIPZIG

SOLD OUT | WAITLIST ONLY

This tour is now sold out. To register your place on the waitlist, please fill out the form below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or contact@hayllarmusictours.com