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Ulm and Neu-Ulm, Germany – May 29 to June 1, 2025

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For four unforgettable days, the twin cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm became a vibrant hub for wind and orchestral music, as they hosted the 2025 edition of the Deutsches Musikfest. Under the inspiring motto “Musik baut Brücken” ("Music builds bridges"), the event gathered more than 20,000 musicians from 435 orchestras and ensembles across Germany and beyond, offering over 500 performances at nearly 45 different venues.

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From grand gala concerts and high-stakes competitions to lively open-air performances and spontaneous street music, the atmosphere was electric with musical energy. The public responded with great enthusiasm—despite some challenging weather—filling city squares, churches, and concert halls with applause, joy, and community spirit.

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A City Transformed by Music

Organized by the Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Musikverbände e.V. (BDMV), the festival turned the entire region into a giant stage. The closing day on Sunday saw a stunning mass performance: over 5,500 musicians filled the Ulmer Münsterplatz, performing iconic pieces like the Ulmer Fischermarsch, the German national anthem, and the European anthem—an emotional moment of unity and celebration.

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Following the mass concert, a festive parade wound its way across the Danube to Neu-Ulm, undeterred by light rain. The day concluded with a moving performance by the Symphonic Youth Wind Orchestra of Baden-Württemberg in Ulm’s Pauluskirche.

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High-Level Competitions and International Highlights

While the festival celebrated the power of music to bring people together, it also offered a serious platform for musical excellence. Musicians took part in a range of evaluation concerts, receiving constructive feedback from expert juries. These non-competitive assessments allowed bands to grow musically without the pressure of ranking.

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In addition to evaluations, several major competitions were held, including national and European championships. One standout moment came in the European Championship for Bohemian-Moravian Wind Music, where the Bubenhausen Music Association (Neu-Ulm region), under conductor Andreas Schlegel, claimed the title in the middle category after five months of preparation.

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Another highlight was the German Championship for Flute Orchestras, where Spielmannszug Südlohn earned third place—an emotional and unifying achievement for the group, according to member Marina.

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The "Drum Battle" on Friday night thrilled hundreds of spectators at the Ulmer Münsterplatz, as five percussion groups showcased their musical and choreographic skills in a lively contest that became one of the most talked-about events of the festival.

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Young Talent and International Flavor

International spirit was also alive through the youth orchestra competition, where Jugendblasorchester Havixbeck won in Category 2. The IKL Jugendorchester earned third place, showcasing the depth of youth talent in the wind music scene.

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The conductor competition brought further international flair: Miha Lončar from Slovenia won first prize, with Andreas Ziegelbäck and Mathias Klocker, both from Austria, securing second and third place respectively.

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Such events—some under the CISM (Confédération Internationale des Sociétés Musicales) umbrella—offered young musicians and conductors valuable opportunities to grow, connect, and gain visibility on an international stage.

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A Logistical and Cultural Success

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Behind the scenes, over 500 volunteers helped make the festival run smoothly. The Ulm/Neu-Ulm tourism offices reported a record-breaking demand for accommodations—virtually every hotel and guesthouse was fully booked.

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The Deutsches Musikfest, held every six years, continues to be a cornerstone of the German and European wind music calendar. It not only offers a showcase for the best of amateur and youth music but also strengthens the bonds between musicians, communities, and nations.