Gewandhaus in Leipzig

History of the Building

The modern concert building is the third home of the Gewandhaus Orchestra since it was founded. The prime building, which gave the orchestra its name, is located in the historical center of the town on the today’s Copper Alley (Kupfergasse). However, a new Gewandhaus was built on the Music block where the Orchestra had moved to in 1884. It was a permanent place of performances of the orchestra until 1944. During the Second World War air-raids, the New building was significantly damaged so the concerts were held in the Capitol Theatre, and then in Congress Hall up to 1981. The present house of the Leipzig Orchestra was opened in October 1981 with the ceremonial show conducted by Kurt Masur who was the director of the symphonic band at that time.

Gewandhaus in Leipzig nowadays

The symphonic orchestra’s concert hall is situated on Augustus Square in front of the Leipzig Opera. At the foyer, there is an incredible overhead painting “Life’s Song” with a 714 sq. m area – it is the largest monumental canvas in Europe. The Gewandhaus choir, as well as the St. Thomas Church choir, takes part in the concerts of the Leipzig Symphonic Orchestra.

Gewandhaus Leipzig seating plan

The Great Hall with its unique acoustics can accommodate1900 visitors, and the Small Hall, which starting from the 1997 year bears the name of Mendelssohn, can house up to 500 spectators.

Concert Tickets and Discounts

A ticket to any event given by the Orchestra can be bought at the Gewandhaus booking office or at any approved ticket agency. Moreover, you can purchase the tickets online on the official website of the Orchestra.

Holders of the Leipzig Pass, schoolchildren, students, and federal volunteers can get a discount when purchasing the concert ticket if they present the relevant ID.

Disabled people are welcomed to be accompanied by a helpmate for free in case if they are registered on the appropriate pass.

You can also book a special offer from the hotel, where the room price includes tickets for the Gewandhaus in Leipzig.

Highlights of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig

A lot of performances devoted to Christmas are held each year: there are several Christmas and New Year's Eve events, organized in December. Guests are offered an opportunity to listen to Christmas organ music as a part of a magnificent concert that takes place both in the Great Hall and in the St. Thomas Church. The Gewandhaus Orchestra presents its Christmas performances as well, namely an operetta gala, the concert "Russian Christmas", where pieces of music by famous Russian composers are played, and the morning Christmas liturgy in the St. Thomas Church.

There are also regular events held for school classes and children who are enthusiastic about music. Various festivals and guided tours are also held in the Gewandhaus in Leipzig.

At the end of June, the Gewandhaus Orchestra organizes a large open-air concert "Klassik airleben" in Rosental Park. It has already become a tradition to crown the respective season with a grandiose musical performance for all lovers of symphonic music. In 2020 "Klassik airleben" will take place in Leipzig's Rosental from June 26th to 27th.

Accommodation near Gewandhaus in Leipzig

Due to the central location of the Orchestra, it is easy to reach it from any part of Leipzig. The prices at the hotels situated in close vicinity to Augustus Square are different and start from 60 Euros per night.

HotelFriend may recommend you Arena City hotel or Markgraf Leipzig hotel. Both are located in a quiet area not far from Leipzig's old town.

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