Mit der Gambe durch die Eifel - Alte Musik in 8 Kirchen & Kapellen

"Adel obliges" - The ManderscheiderInnen and the Einstützenkirche will have its world premiere on June 28, 2026, in the Burgkapelle Kerpen-Eifel. About the countesses and the background of a unique Eifel church structure. With character pieces for viola da gamba and lute by Marin Marais. Under the patronage of Dr. Norbert Toporowsky (Geschichtsforum Schleiden). Refreshments available before and after the concert at the Landcafé Kerpen. In cooperation with the parish of Maria Königin, Kalkeifel.

“With the Viola da Gamba through the Eifel”
An extraordinary event series presents cross-border old music in 8 Eifel churches and a forge

“Nobility Obligates”
The Manderscheid residents and the Einstützen church will experience its world premiere on June 28, 2026 at the Burgkapelle Kerpen-Eifel. About the countesses and the background of a unique Eifel church structure. With character pieces for viola da gamba and lute by Marin Marais. Under the patronage of Dr. Norbert Toporowsky (History Forum Schleiden). Opportunity for a retreat before and after the concert at the Landcafé Kerpen. In cooperation with the parish Maria Königin, Kalkeifel.

Eifel cross-border… Ensemble favori brings Eifel monuments and landscapes to new life across national borders with sounds, texts, stories, and figures.

From May 14 to September 11, 2026, culture enthusiasts can once again experience an extraordinary event series with a versatile program at nine unique Eifel sites featuring guided hikes, art history lectures, recitations, theater, and music for viola da gamba, theorbo, lute, or harpsichord.

Ensemble favori writes “With the Viola da Gamba through the Eifel” 2026 once again creating international Eifel history, letting rarely heard music resonate, and drawing attention to new church monuments. The Eifel churches and chapels are not only unique spaces but also provide perfect acoustics for this music.

The Eifel is a very special region. The musicians of Ensemble favori will travel to a total of 8 unique churches and chapels in the Eifel as well as a forge and present a program of concerts, theater, and tours. The events at the different locations will each uniquely relate to the exceptional sites and architectures of the chapels and churches in the Eifel towns. In addition to recitations, art history lectures, and theater, there will also be tours and hikes before the concert.

The ensemble favori, consisting of artists Christoph Barth (lute and theorbo), Johannes Geffert (harpsichord), Willi Kronenburg (organ), Sabine Weber (viola da gamba), and actress Hildegard Meier, will bring the Eifel monuments to new life with sounds, texts, stories, and figures during this event series. A sociable conclusion with the artists, visitors, and residents is planned at all venues.

Moreover, “With the Viola da Gamba through the Eifel” extends its horizons cross-border with two concerts in the Belgian Eifel.

Old music in the Eifel: Ensemble favori primarily features French viola da gamba music in its program. This does have a connection to the Eifel. For during the French Revolution, Huguenot nobles fled Paris. They likely had the highly esteemed court's viola da gamba music in mind when they arrived and settled in the Eifel. Was not one of the first known French violists and teachers a Huguenot?

At these special locations, visitors can experience the extraordinary art festival:

Forge Köb behind the St. Anna Chapel Hüngersdorf/Blankenheim
Thu, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day) - 2 PM excursion - 5 PM concert with Ensemble favori

Erlöserkapelle Mirbach
Sun, May 31, 2026 - 3:30 PM concert with Ensemble favori

Burgkapelle Kerpen/Eifel
Sun, June 28, 2026 - 3:30 PM concert with Ensemble favori

Old Church Alendorf/Blankenheim
Sat, July 4, 2026 - 2 PM excursion - 5 PM concert with Ensemble favori

St. Anna Wirtzfeld/Büllingen (East Belgium)
Sun, August 2, 2026 - 2 PM excursion - 5 PM concert with Ensemble favori

St. Hubertus Weweler/Burg-Reuland (East Belgium)
Sun, August 30, 2026 - 3 PM tour - 4:30 PM concert with Ensemble favori

Former Military Chapel St. Walburgis Vogelsang/Schleiden
Sun, September 6, 2026 - 12 PM excursion - 4 PM concert with Ensemble favori

St. Georg Frauenberg/Euskirchen
Fri, September 11, 2026 - 7 PM concert with Ensemble favori

Tickets

In Wirtzfeld and Weweler (East Belgium), online reservations via the OstbelgienFestival website www.obs.de.
Other concert reservations at ticket@favori.de. Tickets available at the entrance of the respective venue.
Admission: 30 minutes before each event. Free seating
Entry: 25 €/20 €, reduced 15 €. Children up to 10 years old have free admission.
Free admission: Burgkapelle in Kerpen/Eifel, Old Church Alendorf/Blankenheim, St. Georg Frauenberg/Euskirchen.

Registration for hikes and excursions is required in Hüngersdorf at irmgard.loeffelmann@web.de, in Vogelsang at mp@nabear.de, in Alendorf at ticket@favori.de, in Wirtzfeld and Weweler via www.obf.be

More info:www.favori.de