Thomas Hampson returns to Heidelberg for the Heidelberger Frühling Liedfestival from June 8 to 16. This year’s festival explores Johannes Brahms’ songs under the theme “Brahms and the Disorder of Songs.” Since 2011, Hampson has led the Heidelberger Frühling Liedakademie, transforming it from a music festival focus into a year-round support program for young singers and pianists. The program features master classes with the artistic director and other renowned lecturers, as well as concert performances in Heidelberg and Berlin.

The festival boasts 26 events, including innovative formats such as a Lied.LAB and a musical museum tour, song recitals by acclaimed vocalists like Sarah Maria Sun, Erika Baikoff, and Florian Boesch, along with performances by emerging talents such as Konstantin Krimmel and Tae Hwan Yun. Additionally, the current scholarship holders of the Heidelberger Frühling Liedakademie will present public master classes and a final concert with Thomas Hampson.

The Liedfestival kicks off with a “Liedfestival for All,” offering free admission on Marlene-Dietrich-Platz in front of the Karlstorbahnhof in Heidelberg. For the full list of events, click here. Tune into the festival’s livestreams here.