Tourist News: Regensburg in December

The Regensburg Christmas Markets most certainly belong to the most visited venues of December! The traditional Christkindlmarkt at Neupfarrplatz, and the Arts and Crafts Market at Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt tempt locals and visitors equally. Or why not enjoy the very special atmosphere at the Romantic Christmas Market in the Thurn and Taxis Palace Park? Moreover, many other cultural activities are going on this Christmas season. As tradition meets modernity, the Regensburg Cathedral Choir’s Christmas Mass performs next to Gipsy Jazz. A diverse program promises to make your stay in Regensburg a very special one.

Art
This winter the great retrospective of the German painter Lovis Corinth is certainly the most talked about cultural event in Regensburg. After Paris and Leipzig, Regensburg is now the third city showing the much celebrated paintings of this influential artist, who had a major impact on contemporary art at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. His large format paintings that switch between realism, impressionism and expressionism are characteristic and representative. In his small format paintings however, a very subjective view of ‘Times in Change’ dominate his work.

Music
Many tourists come to Regensburg to hear the Cathedral Sparrows Boy’s Choir (Regensburger Domspatzen). Each Sunday the choir sings during mass service. For those already waiting for the traditional Domspatzen Christmas Concert, the time to enjoy will arrive on the 16th of December, at around 8 p.m. in the Audimax concert hall. If you still haven’t got your tickets, hurry and get them now. More information and tickets at: www.domspatzen.de

Something would be missing in the Christmas Season without a concert of Bach’s Christmas Oratory. The first three cantatas of his great composition will be staged on the 21st of December at 6 p.m. by various celebrated soloists and instrumentalists in the Protestant Trinity Church (Evangelische Dreieinigkeitskirche). Get more information at: www.regensburger-kantorei.de

Christmas feelings of a different kind will await you at the annual concert of the RostMond­Orchester (RustyMoonOrchestra), which is staged for the 23rd of December, at 8 p.m. in the Leerer Beutel Restaurant. his group has a very sympathetic and unconventional way of giving Baby Jesus its birthday song. Instrumentalists and vocalists are supported by the Blowing Santa Clauses. Enjoy!

Christmas Markets
Christmas in Regensburg is an atmospheric and romantic experience. Three Christmas Markets invite you to discover the treasures of Regensburg’s joyful season. You can find more information and addresses of markets on page 20 of this issue.

City Tours
Tempted to celebrate this New Years Eve in a very special way? One possibility is certainly to say goodbye to the old year while cruising the Danube on a riverboat.
The beginning of your cruise is at 8 p.m., precisely at the Danube Market (Donaumarkt). You will be treated to a buffet service and entertainment band on board. Just as you get into the right mood for 2009, you will re-enter the city’s river bed and see the fireworks illuminating the cathedral and stone bridge to welcome you and the New Year. More information at: www.schifffahrtklinger.de

Anyone who loves the opera will enjoy Puccinis, Manon Lescaut, which will be staged at the Bismarckplatz theater this month. Those who prefer a lighter fare may be interested in the operetta Land des Lächelns and the Cole Porter musical, High Society.
For the more sophisticated listeners, the 12-tone opera Wozzeck of Alban Berg, which will celebrate its premiere this month, is a must-see. Information and placement of ticket orders can be made at: www.theater-regensburg.de.

1.12.08 - michael kroll