Friedemann Eichhorn, Violin

Peter Hörr, Cello

Florian Uhlig, Piano


The Phaeton Piano Trio brings together three top German artists of international stature to form one of the most exciting piano trios in the international concert scene. As soloists successfully performing on major stages in Europe, overseas, and Asia for more than twenty years, the Phaeton Piano Trio has already concerted in important international music metropolises. In the 24/25 season, the trio will perform in Canada, the USA, China, and at significant festivals in Germany, among others.

Friedemann Eichhorn teaches as a professor at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar and is the artistic director of the Kronberg Academy. His more than 30 CDs as a soloist and chamber musician for the Naxos and hänssler classic labels have received numerous awards.

Peter Hörr has been a sought-after soloist, chamber musician, and conductor on important stages and festivals in Europe for many years. He teaches as a professor for cello and string chamber music at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelsohn-Bartholdy" in Leipzig.

Florian Uhlig is a professor and will perform this season, among other places, at the Wigmore Hall in London, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, in Tokyo, Shenzhen/China, and at the Pohang Festival in South Korea.

Tickets for students and pupils: €5 (25,- € for adults, 20,- € for Stiftsbund members): Tourist Information Ellwangen: Tel.: 07961/84303, tourist@ellwangen.de, via Reservix and at the box office. The throne room is accessible without barriers via an elevator in the castle courtyard.


Admission: 6:30 PM

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

The association musical sehnsucht e.V. presents on 21.06.2025 at 19:00 for the 10th time and also for the last time the Benefiz Musical Gala in favor of the Förderkreis für tumor- und leukämiekranke Kinder Ulm e.V. and the Michaelschule Heidenheim e.V. under the patronage of Roderich Kiesewetter (Member of Parliament) at the Konzerthaus Heidenheim. Among those participating are the Heidenheim musical performer Stefan Tolnai (Musical "The Ice Queen"), Anja Wendzel (Musical "Dance of the Vampires"), Lucy Scherer (Musical "Wicked"), Philipp Hägeli (Musical "&Julia"), Zoe Staubli (Musical "Rocky Horror Show") and Chris Green (Musical "Dreamking"). A live band conducted by Janis Pfeifer, as well as the moderator Jan Hasenfuß, will accompany the evening. Experience the most beautiful musical hits from the world-famous musicals!

Artists: Stefan Tolnai, Lucy Scherer, Philipp Hägeli, Anja Wendzel, Zoe Staubli, Chris Green, Talentschmiede. Moderator: Jan Hasenfuß

Doors open: 18:00

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

At the traditional Weilburg Castle Concerts with their enchanting backdrop, the WKO has been a regular guest for decades. In 2025 alongside the orchestra: the exceptional pianist Martin Stadtfeld. In addition to Johann Sebastian Bach's Piano Concerto in D minor, Stadtfeld also has Mozart's 9th Piano Concerto in E-flat major KV 271 in his repertoire. The pianist Alfred Brendel referred to the concerto as Mozart's "first masterpiece," while Alfred Einstein even called it "his Eroica." The misleading nickname "Jeunehomme" was added only later. The fact is that the commissioning party for the concerto was not a "young man," but a certain Madame Jenomy, daughter of a dancer from Strasbourg. The concert's expressive depth seamlessly combines with the gesture of Christoph Willibald Gluck's "Dance of the Furies," which also draws on dance music from the Renaissance, just like Peter Warlock's "Capriol Suite."

IMAGO ODER: ABBILD DER ZEIT | Spielclub 2

By Fabian Eberhardt



Featuring: Meryem Demirtas, San Elit, Nikolaus Kuschill, Cara Kutz, Paulina Krieger, Stella Libotean, Joshua Mandel, Pauline Meyer, Damjan Gottlieb Schachner, Vanesa Schmidle, Anika Schmidt, Elina Smolka, and Sarah Wohlfahrt + Citizens' Choir

Direction and Choreography: Fabian Eberhardt

Set Design: Ariane Scherpf

Costume Assistance: Fabian Eberhardt, Lilja Peters, Isabela Schuman

Music: Yannik Legner



With “Imago,” Spielclub 2 takes us on a journey between dream and reality, hope and disappointment.

Young Mallory wrestles with the challenges of life and the fragments of her own identity. We follow her into a surreal dimension where time does not exist and subjective notions of the past and future merge with the present. There, at the boundary between perception and reality, the central question arises: What is truth anyway? And what significance do strangers gain when friendship begins? What injustices lurk in this world? Can we find ourselves when we learn to question illusions and muster the courage to confront the truth?

IMAGO ODER: ABBILD DER ZEIT | Spielclub 2

By Fabian Eberhardt



Featuring: Meryem Demirtas, San Elit, Nikolaus Kuschill, Cara Kutz, Paulina Krieger, Stella Libotean, Joshua Mandel, Pauline Meyer, Damjan Gottlieb Schachner, Vanesa Schmidle, Anika Schmidt, Elina Smolka, and Sarah Wohlfahrt + Citizens' Choir

Direction and Choreography: Fabian Eberhardt

Set Design: Ariane Scherpf

Costume Assistance: Fabian Eberhardt, Lilja Peters, Isabela Schuman

Music: Yannik Legner



With “Imago,” Spielclub 2 takes us on a journey between dream and reality, hope and disappointment.

Young Mallory wrestles with the challenges of life and the fragments of her own identity. We follow her into a surreal dimension where time does not exist and subjective notions of the past and future merge with the present. There, at the boundary between perception and reality, the central question arises: What is truth anyway? And what significance do strangers gain when friendship begins? What injustices lurk in this world? Can we find ourselves when we learn to question illusions and muster the courage to confront the truth?

DIE WILDEN HÜHNER – FUCHSALARM
By Cornelia Funke
Playclub 1

With: Members of Playclub 1
Direction: Alexandra Stölzl
Set design: Ariane Scherpf
Dramaturgy: Julius Max Ferstl

Sprotte has given the "Fuchsalarm"! In the secret language of the girl gang, that means the greatest danger. Now it’s a matter of life and death, because Sprotte's grandma wants to slaughter all her hens! The girls decide to secretly save the chickens, but they can't do it alone. They need support from the pygmies. Meanwhile, the pygmies have another problem: The treehouse, their gang's headquarters, is to be replaced by a scrap yard. Can the wild chickens, together with the pygmies, solve the problems?

Long since, Ipfmess Countdown Party has become much more than the "unofficial kickoff" of the Bopfinger Ipfmesse. It is a true cult event for all those who love to celebrate, enjoy a lively party atmosphere, and at the same time experience high-quality musical enjoyment with nationally known artists. It is also the first time of the year to get a genuine taste of "Ipfmess air," bringing with it the incomparable feeling of this event.

With Voxxclub and Volxxbeat, two amazing live bands will ensure a fantastic atmosphere.

Entry: 6:00 PM

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

An exclusive program of Soul, Latin, and Pop. E-Town Connection brings an unforgettable concert full of groove and vitality to the stage on this special evening in the unique atmosphere of the theater sink at the castle. In case of bad weather, it will take place in the large stable.

SPANNUNGSFELD ROMANTIK – DIE MENDELSSOHNS, DIE SCHUMANNS UND DER HERR BRAHMS. Happiness, destinies, tragedies, relationships, and the role of women in music
Guest performance by Hans-Roman Kitterer, Larissa Wagenhals, and Marc-Philipp Kochendörfer

The diverse and vibrant concert and theater evening places composers Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Clara and Robert Schumann, as well as Johannes Brahms at the center, whose musical language dominated a significant part of the 19th century in many European countries.
Pianist and physician Hans-Roman Kitterer conceived a musically-scenic play incorporating original quotes and entertaining free dialogues. In between, he allows many well-known and lesser-known piano pieces to ring out on the grand piano, including several songs from both composers. Larissa Wagenhals (acting, singing) and Marc-Philipp Kochendörfer (acting) bring the artistry personalities to life in close sight and hearing distance.

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

JUST CLASSY! DIE BESONDERE LITERATURPREIS-VERLEIHUNG | Spielclub 3

By Ella Elia Anschein



With: Anna Dargies, Anna Demling, Maria Frankenreiter, Finja Lesch, Kalina Marinova, Luise Mendel, Amelie Möcklin, Barbara Müller, Marlene Münz, Klara Rau, Silvia Schneemann, Mathilda Tritschler, Jasmin Alyssa Wolber, Friedrich Vogelsang and Enes Yokus

Direction: Ella Elia Anschein

Set design: Ariane Scherpf



Literature is a mirror of society; it touches, inspires, and provokes thought. Experience an awards ceremony that honors the outstanding authors of German literature, from whom you couldn’t get enough in school, recognized in various categories for their works.

The famous literary critic Angelika Gugelhupf will host the evening, supported by unique artistic acts, presented by the German advanced level class of the Archdiocesan Girls' High School of the Order of the Merciful Sisters for the Salvation of Fallen Young Men (EMGDODBSZEGJ) under the direction of Mr. Koalla.

We promise you numerous surprises, good entertainment, and an unforgettable evening!

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.

Miriam Altmann (fortepiano)
Julia Huber (violin)
Anja Enderle (cello)

The Trio Fortepiano aims to showcase the diversity of piano trio literature from the pre-Classical era to early Romanticism. Therefore, in the concerts, works by the Vienna classics Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven are complemented by compositions from lesser-known composers such as Stephen Storace, Leopold Anton Koželuch, or Joseph Martin Kraus.
Playing on original instruments and a historically informed playing style particularly highlight the clarity and liveliness of this music and allow for greater tonal balance among the instruments. In its concerts, the Trio Fortepiano not only provides the audience with introductions to the works of the respective program but also explains the special features of the instruments.
Tickets for students and pupils: €5, (€25 for adults, €20 for members of the Stiftsbund): Tourist Information Ellwangen: Tel.: 07961/84303, tourist@ellwangen.de, via Reservix and at the box office. The throne room is accessible by elevator from the castle courtyard.

Admission: 6:30 PM

With an impressive mix of established stars and emerging talents from the Schlager scene, the festival has put together a lineup that leaves nothing to be desired.

In addition to the breathtaking live performances of the Schlager stars, the event will offer a range of activities that elevate the festival atmosphere to a whole new level. From interactive workshops that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the music world to culinary delights that will enchant the taste buds, there will be something for every taste.

For more information about Schlagernacht in Weiß and the program, please visit: schlagernachtinweiss.de

Admission from: 12:00

STATE OF THE UNION
A marriage in ten sessions by Nick Hornby
Translated by Ingo Herzke

With: Julia Sylvester, Malte Sylvester
Directed by: Tonio Kleinknecht
Set design: Ana Tasić
Dramaturgy: Tina Brüggemann

Louise has cheated, and Tom has moved out. But they don’t want to give up their marriage without a fight. Every week, they go to couples therapy, and each week they meet beforehand in a pub. With a drink to calm their nerves, they prepare for the sessions and speculate about the other guests. A lot of conflicts have been swept under the rug in recent years and are only now being dug up again—something that anyone who has been in a relationship will surely recognize. Sometimes one has the upper hand, sometimes the other, and neither of them will miss the chance for a good punchline.
With Nick Hornby’s trademark fast, witty, and humorous dialogues, the audience experiences the subtle shifts in power during the weekly meetings as the couple negotiates their "marital Brexit" step by step—sometimes with biting wit, sometimes with charming warmth.
"State of the Union. A marriage in ten sessions" by Nick Hornby, translated by Ingo Herzke, has been published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne.

Nick Hornby was born in 1957, studied at Cambridge, and has been enjoying sensational success with his novels for decades. The novels "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy" have been successfully adapted into films. "State of the Union" was also adapted for television as a miniseries directed by Stephen Frears. In 2013, a play by the cult author, "Nipplejesus," was already on the program at the Theater der Stadt Aalen.