International Tourism Exchange (ITB), Berlin
The International Tourism Exchange Berlin takes place at Messe Berlin, the city's main trade show venue. The fair features an extensive gathering of exhibitors from the travel and tourism industry and attracts nearly 125,000 visitors every year. This is one of the tourism industry's leading events worldwide, and includes displays from international, national and regional tourism organizations, tour operators, travel agencies, carriers, hotels, insurance companies, communication and information systems providers and publishing companies.
> www.itb-berlin.de
Mar *
Dresdner Festage Richard Strauss, Dresden
Every year Dresden honors Richard Strauss, who was closely involved with the city's opera house for six decades of his life. Visitors to this festival are treated to ten works in ten days, including the rarely performed operas 'Friedenstag' (Peace Day), 'Die Liebe der Danae' (The Love of Danae) and 'Die schweigsame Frau' (The Silent Woman).
> http://www.semperoper.de/ (German only)
Mar 14 - Jul 14
300 years Johann Sebastian Bach in Weimar, Weimar
He would have adored the Weimar of today: present-day Weimar is a vibrant musical centre attracting visitors from all over the world.
Bach Year 2008 in Weimar will mark the 300th anniversary of Bach's arrival and anchor him as a lasting presence in the town. An ambitious program will establish Bach, alongside Franz Liszt, as a symbol of vibrant musical Weimar. Highlights are the Thuringian Bach Festival from March 14th till April 6th, the St John Passion on March 21st, a festive concert of the Music Conservatory 'Franz Liszt' on June 20th, Bach non-stop concerts on June 22nd, and the BACH-Biennale from July 12th till 14th.
> http://www.weimar.de/
Mar - Jul *
Neckar Music Festival, Neckar Valley
The festival presents a variety of music - classic, chanson and jazz - performed by international artists. The main emphasis lies on the 'prime age of the piano playing' from the late 19th and early 20th century. More than 20 concerts are scheduled to take place in some of the most romantic spots, along the Neckar River Valley, between Mannheim und Heilbronn.
> http://www.neckar-musikfestival.de/ (German only)
Mar 29 - Apr 25
Heidelberger Spring Festival, Heidelberg
The 'Heidelberger Fruehling' started in 1996 and has become one of the main festivals for classical and contemporary music in the Rhine Neckar Area over the last few years.
The Festival offers concerts as well as numerous side programs and workshops. The combination of world-famous musicians and newcomers as well as the themes and topics offer perfect conditions for fascinating meetings of artists and audience.
> www.heidelberg.de
* exact dates tba
