Organ Festival

In November, St. Gereon’s Basilica will once again host its Organ Festival. The concert series will celebrate its 25th edition in 2026 and will bring international organists to Cologne on three Sundays.

Felix Hell from Atlanta will kick off the series on November 1, 2026, with works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Nicolas de Grigny, César Franck, Ad Wammes, Guy Bovet, and Alexandre Guilmant. Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin from Paris will follow on November 8 with music by Louis Vierne, Denis Bédard, César Franck, and Léon Boëllmann, as well as improvisations on given themes.

Ruben Sturm from Munich Cathedral will close the series on November 15, 2026. The program includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Naji Hakim, Max Reger, and his own improvisations.

All concerts begin at 5 p.m. Tickets cost 15 euros each, or 10 euros with a discount. A season pass for all three concerts is available for 30 euros, or 20 euros with a discount. The Organ Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience St. Gereon’s Basilica as a venue for church music and to let the sound of the organ wash over you in this unique setting.