The Merseburg Ladegast organ has inspired for centuries
Where Franz Liszt was inspired to compose his most important organ works, the impressive and melodious Merseburg Ladegast organ still arouses emotions today. With its baroque front of carved ornaments in lavish gold and crowned by putti sculptures, it dominates the west wall of the Merseburg Imperial Cathedral. Since the devoted restoration of the original intonation of 2004, 5867 pipes of this imposing piece of splendour once again fill the nave of the cathedral with such a rich sonority as at the original inauguration in 1855.
When you can hear the Merseburg Ladegast organ sound during Advent
The "Queen of Instruments" - the Merseburg Ladegast organ - also creates an enchantingly contemplative world of sound during the Christmas season. On the 1st of Advent, it sets the mood for the cosy Advent season during a musical service for all visitors to the cathedral. On 17 December, music lovers will listen to a concert of the touching "Orgelklang 12″ series. Finally, on Christmas Day, the "Organ Sound for Christmas" envelops the listeners in a rousing, fading atmosphere.
Extra tip
If you would like to experience the Ladegast organ outside of Advent, this is possible throughout the year. We recommend that you find out about all the dates in the Orgelklang 12 series and the Merseburg Organ Days. We are sure that you will quickly find a date that suits your wishes.
Organ sound and Merseburg Castle Christmas
The Merseburg Castle Christmas is known beyond the region's borders. It is a highlight among Christmas markets and takes place from the second to the third weekend of Advent in the setting of the Renaissance castle and the imperial cathedral of Merseburg: Numerous stalls and stands invite visitors to browse, feast and linger. The ambience between the historic walls of the cathedral-castle ensemble lends the castle Christmas its special charm every year. Every day you or your little ones can meet Father Christmas and his angels. They will make a note of the children's wishes so that hopefully they will be heard.
If you want to get in the mood for the Christmas season musically, you should treat yourself to a break from the hustle and bustle of the market and end the day with a concert on Merseburg's Ladegast organ. A look at Merseburg's calendar of events shows that there is always something on offer for music lovers, especially organ fans, during the Christmas season.
Extra tip
As part of the "Merseburg Cathedral Music" concert series, things get quite contemplative with "Christmas Organ Concert by Candlelight" on 03 December 2022, 8 pm.
Even more reasons for an Advent visit to Merseburg
How about following a winter walk by Merseburg's city guides? The guides invite you to a somewhat different kind of encounter with the Saale city of Merseburg on their city walk "Von rauen Sitten und Raunächten" (Of rough customs and rough nights). It can get a little spooky. After all, in addition to Merseburg Christmas traditions and a Hänsel-Gretel gingerbread recipe, curious criminal cases in Merseburg will also be presented.
Appointment
for the City walk "Of rough customs and rough nights" is the 26 November 2022, 2 p.m.
When children's book classics flicker across the screen and big record fans meet cellar secrets and handicraft ideas, gift hunters and waffle bakers, it's Merseburger Kellerweihnacht in Merseburg city centre. The 2nd Advent becomes a special experience.
Appointment
is 04 December 2022, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Merseburg city centre.
