Classical music festival in Münsing: Mairs celebrate the Holzhauser Music Days!

Classical music festival in Münsing: Mairs celebrate the Holzhauser Music Days!

In Münsing on Lake Starnberg, where culture and nature unite harmoniously, the Holzhauser Music Days last week offered a dazzling setting for music lovers. Christine and Klaus Mair, who are known as organic pioneers in the region, invited people to the classical music festival. The Lothhof, which is beautifully located by the lake, was reopened for this festive week and, with its threshing floor, offers an inspiring location for concerts and master classes. The Holzhauser Music Days have a long tradition, which was founded in 1978 by the pianist Dénés Zsigmondy, the mezzo-soprano Anneliese Nissen and the great Wilhelm Kempff South German newspaper reported.

This year's Music Days took place from July 12th to 19th and brings not only concerts, but also international master classes led by talented artists. Klaus Mair is particularly proud of the preparation of the threshing floor, which was converted for events in 2016. Progress shines here with a new floor coating and a specially installed fire protection staircase. A highlight for many listeners was certainly the concert grand piano, which is estimated to be worth an impressive 100,000 euros and which was transported by Klaus Mair for the performances.

A few words about Alfred Brendel

A particularly honorable mention went to the classical pianist Alfred Brendel, who died on June 17, 2025 in London. Born on January 5, 1931 in Czechoslovakia, the musician was known for his extraordinary performances and recordings of compositions by greats such as Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. His musical career began early in Croatia, where he received piano lessons at the age of six. Brendel had his first public concert in Graz when he was just 17, and after his international breakthrough in the 1970s he became a fixture on the classical music scene. His numerous recordings - including Beethoven's complete piano sonatas - also made him a legend Wikipedia reported in detail.

A very special souvenir for Brendel was the introduction of a “back chair” in the threshing floor to make his access easier. Interacting with young talent is particularly important to Christine Mair. Before the final evening of the festival, there was an exciting atmosphere in the house: many young artists were ready to demonstrate their talents.

A musical oasis in Bavarian country life

The Mairs converted their business to biodynamic farming in the 1990s. In their business, milk, meat and eggs are produced according to Demeter guidelines, while the cows, including the Allgäu brown cattle Rumba with his gray-brown fur and white horns, are allowed to lead a species-appropriate life. The newly built outdoor climate stable, just 800 meters from the house, is very popular among the animals.

The Holzhauser Music Days are more than just an event; they are proof that music and nature can go hand in hand. The festival is a place of exchange, creativity and the joy of classical music, which is reflected not only in the performances but also in the conviviality after the concerts. This is where the foundation for musical careers is laid and a connection is created between renowned artists and emerging talents. The Mairs show that country life in Bavaria is anything but boring - there's something there!