Colmar International Festival 2026: Great Classical Music in the Heart of Alsace

Some occasions cannot be told: they must be lived. The Colmar International Festival is one of them. Every summer, in the Gothic churches and theatres of the capital of Alsatian wines, great classical music finds a setting few festivals in the world can offer: a city of half-timbered houses as a backdrop, medieval stone with rare acoustics, and an atmosphere where heritage and sound merge.

Founded in 1979 by the German conductor Karl Münchinger — drawn by the city's medieval architecture and the exceptional acoustics of its religious buildings — the festival has enjoyed a prestigious history. From 1989 until his retirement, the Russian violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov held the reins for thirty-two editions. Since 2023, the French conductor Alain Altinoglu has been its artistic director, with a clear vision: to make classical music accessible and to create connection, balancing world-renowned soloists with support for emerging young talent.

The 2026 edition: sharing, escape and dreams

From 5 to 14 July 2026, the festival will unfold twenty-two concerts around a theme — "sharing, escape and dreams". Among the announced highlights: the Orchestre symphonique de la Monnaie, conducted by Alain Altinoglu, at the opening; a piano recital by the legendary Grigory Sokolov, a long-standing figure of the festival, on 8 July; Renaud Capuçon and Guillaume Bellom in a film-music recital on 13 July; the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jakub Hrůša, in an all-Brahms programme on 11 July; and, for the closing concert on 14 July, Natalie Dessay and the Naouri family in a "Broadway Family Show".

The festival also stands out for its popular, convivial dimension, with its now famous "Colmar Symphonic Mob©" in the Parc du Champ de Mars — an initiative inviting the public to play alongside professional musicians.

Venues that make the festival

• Saint-Matthieu Church — the setting for the great symphonic concerts, where the acoustics elevate the works.
• The Municipal Theatre — for chamber music and the intimacy of dialogue between instruments.
• The Koïfhus (Old Customs House) — the setting for young-talent recitals, in the heart of the old town.

Colmar, far more than a festival

Attending the Colmar Festival also means treating yourself to one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace. "Little Venice", its flower-lined canals, its 15th- and 16th-century half-timbered houses, its starred gastronomy and the nearby wine route make the city a destination in its own right. An evening at the concert naturally extends into dinner at a great regional table, a night in a characterful residence, an escapade along the Grands Crus route.

This is where AC Private - Luxury concierge comes in. Born in Alsace, our house knows the territory intimately — its confidential addresses and its finest artisans. We design bespoke stays around the festival: concierge service in Colmar, booking of the best seats, exceptional accommodation, private transport, gastronomic tables, private visits to wine estates and confidential experiences far from the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Colmar International Festival take place in 2026?

The 2026 edition runs from 5 to 14 July 2026, with twenty-two concerts spread across the city's main historic venues.

Who is the festival's artistic director?

The French conductor Alain Altinoglu has been artistic director since 2023, succeeding Vladimir Spivakov and founder Karl Münchinger.

How can AC Private facilitate my visit to the festival?

We organise your entire stay: seat reservations, prestigious accommodation, private transport, gastronomic tables and bespoke experiences in Alsace, so that you need only enjoy the music.

Can the festival be combined with the Alsace wine route?

Absolutely. Colmar is ideally located on the Grands Crus route. We design private oenological escapades — estate visits, confidential tastings, lunches in the vineyards — around the concerts.

Experience the Colmar International Festival as a privilege, not as logistics. Entrust your stay to AC Private - Luxury concierge: we take care of everything, you keep only the emotion.