The Elbe Sandstone Mountains as Theatre Backdrop
Open-air theatre in nature, musical festivals and more
Saxon Switzerland is not only a hikers’ paradise but also home to exciting annual festivals and concert series. There is a wide range of events from grand opera performances to open air rock concerts.
Felsenbühne Rathen Open Air Theatre is Europa’s most beautiful natural stage. In fact, the “Freischütz” opera returns to the place that inspired the Wolves Glen scene. But this is not the only opera staged there. For more than 70 years the Felsenbühne Theatre has fascinated friends of theatre and classical music, western fans, families and hikers. Right in the heart of Saxon Switzerland National Park, a picturesque natural rock amphitheatre called Rathener Wehlgrund forms the impressive backdrop for this stage.
The Gohrisch International Shostakovich Days take place annually around midsummer and are a Mecca for fans of this famous Russian composer. Members of the Saxon State Orchestra among others initiated this festival and welcome international top musicians and orchestras on this occasion.
Classical music and the sandstone landscape merge into a special cultural experience during the Sandstone and Music Festival. Its name reveals the programme. Since 1992 the festival invites its guests to special concert events in sandstone-related places in Saxon Switzerland. The various venues range from venerable church buildings to quarries; they provide a special flair and thus contribute a lot to a memorable cultural experience.
Top quality open air live music in lofty heights – this is what makes up the summer concerts of “Königstein Fortress Open Air” event promising pounding beats, and rock and pop sounds in unique surroundings.
Tom Pauls’ Theatre in the town of Pirna opens its curtains for plays, cabaret performances, readings and talks. Behind the historic walls of his house, the actor and comedian Tom Pauls dedicates himself in his unmistakable style to the living and breathing Saxon soul.
The Richard Wagner Festival is considered East Germany’s most important free artists’ initiative and takes place as an open air event at the Graupa Village hunting lodge.
Maxen Natural Theatre is a small cosy stage in the former Saxon Royal marble quarry at the edge of the small mountain village of Maxen in Saxon Switzerland. The programme ranges from concerts to cabaret and theatre performances. The theatre is operated and organized by volunteer members and assistants of the Maxen Heimatverein (local heritage club).