Summer full of culture: Mendelssohn’s Elias” and more in Cologne!

Summer full of culture: Mendelssohn’s Elias” and more in Cologne!

Let's take a look at what's going on in Cologne! On June 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the motto at Diakonie Punkt Nippes is: **Eat & Greet**. At this after-work meeting, everyone between the ages of 25 and 40 can look forward to a relaxing evening - and the best part? Entry is free! If you feel like exercising afterwards, you can come to the new walking meeting **Walk 'n' Talk** at the Luther Church on June 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Once a month we chat and walk here; registration is not necessary.

A very special cultural highlight will be offered on June 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Altenberg Cathedral: Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio **“Elias”** will be performed. This event highlights the fascinating story of the Old Testament prophet Elijah — a character described as struggling, resigned and depressed. Mendelssohn himself characterized Elias as “strong, zealous, also evil and angry and dark” in one of his letters. The first part of the oratorio is dramatic, while the second is lyrical, which impressively brings out the different facets of Elias. Tickets start at 20 euros. The premiere of this masterpiece took place in Birmingham in 1846, and now it is being brought back to life in Cologne qultor.de.

Cultural insights and more

Another concert on June 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., will take place in the Redeemer Church as part of **Tango de Cologne**. Here you can look forward to a lively evening, which is also free of charge - donations are welcome. This Sunday, June 29, 2025, the Clarenbach community's **Summer Festival** will follow, which will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in the Clarenbach Church. A colorful program with church services, delicious food and play opportunities for children awaits visitors here.

If you haven't had enough of sporting experiences, you can take part in the **Stadionlauf Köln** in the RheinEnergieStadion on June 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. There are various running routes for every age group, and a family festival provides additional entertainment. Registration is required for this. In addition, on the same day at 6:00 p.m. **Handel's “Messiah”** will be performed in the Trinity Church, where admission is 22 euros (reduced 15 euros) — tickets are available in advance.

Capture special music moments

Anyone who is a fan of classical music will be pleased to know that the live recording of Mendelssohn's **“Elias”** marks the archive's first historic release on the Bayerische Staatsoper Recordings label. This recording, which dates back to 1984, shows an outstanding ensemble that spent many formative years at the National Theater in Munich. State Opera director Wolfgang Sawallisch opened both the 1984 Munich Opera Festival and the 88th German Catholic Day with this performance, which sends a strong ecumenical signal prestomusic.com.

Cologne has a lot to offer in the coming days! Whether art, music or social gatherings - there is something for everyone here. Stop by and experience what our city has to offer!