Jena Philharmonic opens the season in Jena with great sound variety
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A festive start full of sound colors at Volkshaus Jena
With the season opening concert of the Jena Philharmonic, a musical afternoon begins on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Volkshaus Jena, marked by new beginnings, encounters, and great orchestral art. Under the motto Planet Dvořák, the program unfolds a sonic preview of the new season – from Czech melodies to classical form awareness to modern orchestral splendor. ([jenaer-philharmonie.de](https://www.jenaer-philharmonie.de/konzert/saisoneroeffnungskonzert-4.html))
A program that opens the whole stage
Antonín Dvořák's Slavonic Dances, Mozart's Don Giovanni overture, Walton's Façade, Smetana's Vltava, Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, Janáček's Lachian Dances, Mahler's Adagietto, and Ligeti's Concert Românesc create a panorama from orchestral elegance to rhythmic energy. This very range makes the concert a strong season opener: each sound space acts like its own room, each thematic twist opens new perspectives on the coming music year. ([jenaer-philharmonie.de](https://www.jenaer-philharmonie.de/konzert/saisoneroeffnungskonzert-4.html))
Simon Gaudenz shapes the evening as a musical invitation
General Music Director Simon Gaudenz conducts the concert and moderates together with Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche and Councillor Johannes Schleußner. The Jena Philharmonic presents itself as a mobile, communicative orchestra, which, according to its own self-presentation, works with new formats, proximity to the audience, and international experience. Tours have taken the ensemble, among others, to Frankfurt, Berlin, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Armenia, China, and in 2025 again to the Gustav Mahler Music Weeks in Toblach. ([jenaer-philharmonie.de](https://www.jenaer-philharmonie.de/konzert/saisoneroeffnungskonzert-4.html))
Volkshaus Jena: central, barrier-free, and easily accessible
The concert takes place in the Volkshaus/Ernst-Abbe-Saal. The venue is located at Carl-Zeiß-Platz 15 in 07743 Jena, just a few minutes' walk from Jena-Paradies and Jena-West train stations. Tram and bus connections are also strong: Ernst-Abbe-Platz, Löbdergraben, and Teichgraben are in close proximity. Directly next to Volkshaus is the paid parking garage of the Goethe-Galerie. The Volkshaus is accessible without barriers; the entrance doors are threshold-free, wheelchair seats are provided, coat rooms are available, and there is usually a gastronomic offering in the foyer during concerts. ([volkshaus-jena.de](https://www.volkshaus-jena.de/de/694234))
Free admission – enjoyment of music without barriers
Admission is free, seating is free choice, and access to the concert is possible at any time. This creates a particularly open, relaxed live atmosphere for the audience, inviting immersion in the flow of sound. Those who want to experience the Jena Philharmonic at the start of the new season will find a carefully curated concert with high emotional density and representative programming. ([jenaer-philharmonie.de](https://www.jenaer-philharmonie.de/konzert/saisoneroeffnungskonzert-4.html))
Conclusion: This season opening concert promises a multifaceted afternoon between symphonic tradition and fresh season energy. Those who wish to experience sound diversity, strong moderation, and a festive start in the heart of Jena should not miss this date live. ([jenaer-philharmonie.de](https://www.jenaer-philharmonie.de/konzert/saisoneroeffnungskonzert-4.html))
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