200 years of the Schulze organ: Festival concert in Großrettbach on July 5th!

200 years of the Schulze organ: Festival concert in Großrettbach on July 5th!

A very special festival will be celebrated in the picturesque St. Gotthard Church in Großrettbach on July 5, 2025 - the 200th anniversary celebration of the “Schulze Organ”. This historic event is not only a reason to celebrate, but also part of the popular Thuringian Organ Summer, which celebrates the region's diverse organ culture. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. and promises musical heights with a performance that will feature works by composers Vivaldi, Manfredini and Francescini. [Oscar am Freitag](https://www.oscar-am-freitag.de/beitraege-gotha/das-muss-ge Feiert- Werden-200-jahre-schulze-orgel-in-grossrettbach/) reports on the festival, which begins with a wine reception for the guests and will end after the concert with a convivial birthday party in the Großrettbach community center including coffee and cake. The entry price is a fair 15 euros, a bargain for such an event!

The organ itself has a long and eventful history. Built in 1825 by Johann Friedrich Schulze, it was built for the Protestant parish in Großrettbach and cost 780 thalers - a not inconsiderable sum for the time. At the inauguration on February 6, 1825, the community was able to look forward to a new musical centerpiece. Although the organ has had to accept some setbacks over the years, such as the delivery of the tin pipes during the First World War, the treasures of the past were brought back to life through a restoration from 2019 to 2020 by the Waltershausen organ building workshop. The organ was finally inaugurated again on June 12, 2021, which increases the anticipation for the upcoming anniversary.

Musical highlights with talented artists

Who are the artists who provide the musical accompaniment to this festival? They are mostly outstanding talents who have dedicated themselves to music. Cosima Schreier, who is active as a church musician in Sömmerda, will be heard on the organ. With her early musical career, which included piano lessons from the age of four, and her honors degree in church music and school music, she brings remarkable expertise to the celebration. She is supported by trumpeter Carsten Tupaika and the experienced Michael Heinrich. Tupaika, a “cross-over musician” and teacher, has established himself in the music scene through his diversity, while Heinrich was able to gain experience as a solo trumpet player at renowned venues such as the Komische Oper in Berlin and the Telemann Chamber Orchestra. Orgelsommer emphasizes the high quality of the performances, which will be showcased with a lot of passion and skill.

Insight into the Thuringian organ summer

The Thuringian Organ Summer itself is a true festival for fans of organ music. The festival has been attracting music lovers every year since 1991 and so far over 2,000 concerts with well-known artists have been organized. Bach Thüringen emphasizes that the region's organs, often referred to as "queens", had a significant influence on musical development in Germany and that many culinary offerings also ensure a convivial atmosphere.

This anniversary is not only a homage to the “Schulze Organ” itself, but also a symbol of the vibrant cultural landscape in the region and the combination of tradition and innovation. So if you have time on July 5th, you shouldn't miss this musical event!