The Maulbronn monastery, an 850 year-old piece of UNESCO world cultural heritage, lies embedded in the idyllic Stromberg region of Württemberg, characterised by vineyards and picturesque towns. Apart from being the largest medieval monastery complex north of the Alps, Maulbronn has more to offer. Every year, from May to September, music lovers from all over assemble in Maulbronn.

They find the ascetic architecture of the famous church softened by the glow of candlelight as music of the finest quality is performed. Over the past three decades the Maulbronn concerts have become a meeting ground for internationally acclaimed artists such as Emma Kirkby, Sabine Meyer, Michael Chance, Igor Oistrakh, The Hilliard Ensemble, Chanticleer, Toronto Baroque Orchestra, Peter Schreier, Boris Pergamenchikov, Andrei Gavrilov and the Takacs Quartet, to name, but a few.

Far from the glamour of the concert halls of the big cities, musicians and their audiences are linked by the unique spiritual atmosphere of the place. This is not disturbed when the swallows nesting in their ancient walls join in the music, nor by the occasional bat circling around the halls to investigate the unexpected noise in its otherwise quiet haven. Pieces ranging from the early Renaissance to the 20th century are regularly performed with special emphasis on spiritual music. 'Musica Sacra' is a cycle of concerts that attempts to combine liturgy, meditation and an appreciation of music. A series of Handel oratorios conducted by the artistic director of the concerts, Jürgen Budday, has won international recognition.