Unsere Geschichte (EN) | Musikfestival, Konzerte, junge Talente, Musikwettbewerb, Bayern

Clavis: A Journey of Music, Inspiration and International Friendship

In 2017, a remarkable musical journey began in a small place with a rich history: the more than one-thousand-year-old Reichersbeuern Castle in Bavaria.

Within these historic walls, where centuries of stories still resonate, the Clavis Festival was born. This became possible thanks to the generous and wholehearted support of Max Rill Gymnasium, which has been located in the castle for more than 80 years. With extraordinary openness, every door was opened to us: the historic concert halls with their magnificent Blüthner and Pleyel grand pianos, the auditorium, the guest rooms, and even the dining hall—all became vibrant spaces filled with music. Thus, an idea grew into a living festival. This is how Clavis was born.

In 2027, Clavis celebrates its 10th anniversary, a decade filled with music, artistic growth, and unforgettable encounters. During these years, the festival has inspired and supported numerous young and established artists in Bavaria, Russia (Saint Petersburg), many European cities, as well as the United States, Canada, Singapore, and beyond.

Clavis has become a place of opportunity, where participants can showcase their talent, build international connections, and develop artistically. Teachers and professors benefit from exclusive masterclasses led by internationally renowned artists, as well as from valuable international exchange and collaboration.

Over the years, the festival has established competitions for piano solo, Baroque music (organ and harpsichord), and prestigious gala concerts held in extraordinary venues. For many musicians, Clavis has become an important stepping stone toward an international career.

Among the young artists whose journeys began at Clavis are Soley Blümel (Austria), Sunny Reiter (Canada), Alexandra Deshevaya (USA), and Natalia Lisanova (Russia). Some of the festival's earliest participants remain closely connected to Clavis and now help shape its future as jury members, including Evgeny Konnov, President of the Jury, and Anna McCargow, Head of Chamber Music.

Clavis maintains partnerships with internationally respected institutions, including Steinway & Sons, the London Composers Union, and the Saint Petersburg Composers Union.

Even during the global pandemic, the festival never stopped. Instead of cancelling its activities, Clavis found new ways to connect musicians through digital formats and continued supporting artists around the world. During this challenging period, the festival received special encouragement from the renowned pianist and conductor Maxim Shostakovich, son of Dmitri Shostakovich, who expressed his appreciation and gave his blessing to the project.

Since 2021, the annual spring Gala Concerts have taken place in the picturesque village of Hohenschwangau, made possible through the generous support of Miriam and John Westerdoll, the Municipality of Schwangau, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, and the Füssen Music School.

Another milestone begins in 2025 with the introduction of the MICA – Musical International Concert Award, a special concert prize created to provide outstanding young musicians with international performance opportunities and to actively support their artistic careers.

The international Clavis Competition has also continued to grow. Today it welcomes all instruments as well as vocal chamber music. Yet its roots remain unchanged: every October, Clavis returns to its birthplace—Reichersbeuern Castle—where the story first began.

The festival's guiding philosophy is expressed in its motto:

"Young Experts for Young Talents."

Experienced artists mentor, inspire, and support the next generation of musicians.

Twice each year, Clavis brings together some of Bavaria's most beautiful cultural venues with extraordinary musical experiences, united by talent, passion, and an international spirit.

Yet this festival is sustained not only by music—but by people.

Clavis depends on the generosity of supporters who believe in young artists and wish to help them take their next steps onto the international stage.

Become part of the Clavis family.

Support this unique project and help us write the next chapters of its story.

The organizer and official host of all Clavis concerts and events is the Theater- und Kulturverein e.V. Füssen, in cooperation with the Waldbibliothek Füssen, under the direction of Miriam and John Westerdoll.

We would be delighted if you chose to support our project with a donation.

Your generosity helps new stars rise in the world of music.