Olomouc International Organ Festival 2027

Olomouc International Organ Festival

The Olomouc International Organ Festival (Mezinárodní varhanní festival Olomouc) has gathered organists from around the world in Olomouc, Czech Republic, every year since 1969. Founded by Antonín Schindler, a co-founder of the Moravian Philharmonic, it is the oldest and most significant organ festival in the country and a respected name in organ music internationally.

Held annually in September over roughly two weeks, the festival centers on the Church of St. Maurice, home of the monumental Baroque Engler organ, a 1740s instrument once known as the “Queen of Moravian pipe organs”, set in Olomouc’s UNESCO-listed historic center.

Organ Festival Highlights:

• The Engler Organ of St. Maurice: Concerts are built around one of Moravia’s grandest historic instruments, with its three manuals and thousands of pipes filling the Gothic nave.
• International Virtuosos: Each year’s lineup brings celebrated concert organists and teachers from across Europe and beyond, playing everything from Bach to contemporary works.
• Themed Programming: Recent seasons have honored individual composers and anniversaries, so every year has its own musical story.
• A Compact Concert Series: Roughly five to six concerts, with occasional special evenings at other venues in the region such as the MKZ Uničov concert hall.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Tickets: Concerts are ticketed, with single tickets and subscriptions sold through the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc. Popular evenings can sell out, so buy early.
• Venue & Seating: The organ console is often shown on a screen, so a seat with a view of it is worth choosing. Arrive a little early for the best choice of seats.
• Getting There: Olomouc has direct train connections from Prague (about 2 hours) and Brno, and the historic center is compact and walkable from the station and the church.
• What to Wear: Smart-casual clothing works well. Stone churches stay cool even in early autumn, so bring a light jacket or scarf.
• Accommodation: Room supply in the historic center is limited around the festival, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore the Czech Republic: Combine the festival with Olomouc’s Baroque fountains and Holy Trinity Column, or take a trip to Moravian castles, caves and wine country — browse top Czech Republic tours and activities here.

The full concert program, performers and ticket options are published on the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.