Opening ceremony on MarktplatzEntrée libre

Music lovers, Halle residents and representatives from the world of culture and politics will be gathering together on Halle’s Marktplatz for the official opening of the 2026 Handel Festival – and, for the first time in a long time, not in front of the Handel monument, but on the opposite side of Marktplatz, outside the church where Handel was baptised: the Marktkirche Unser Lieben Frauen. On a festively decorated Marktplatz, we’ll be tuning up for the festival period ahead when, for ten days, we’ll be hearing and celebrating music that explores the theme of Images of men: heroes, rulers, heartbreakers from some very different perspectives. The official opening ceremony also marks the start of the three-day music and wine event In Händel Veritas. Musik und Wein für (H)alle, on Marktplatz (“In Handel veritas. Music and wine for (H)all(e)”), an eclectic programme with culinary highlights. A convivial prelude under the open sky heralding in the start of the Handel Festival.

Free entry