„A house full of music“: The highlights of akustika Nuremberg 2026

Nuremberg – “akustika” Nuremberg focuses on traditional instrument-making; it is the only industry platform of this scope in Europe and attracts musicians of all levels – from music students and amateur ensembles to professionals – as well as instrument makers and dealers.

The exhibitors at akustika

More than 250 exhibitors from 24 countries are showcasing the diversity of handcrafted instrument-making at akustika; the fair is growing and, for the first time, now also occupies Hall 7A. The product ranges at akustika include handcrafted acoustic instruments such as brass and woodwind instruments, plucked and stringed instruments, upright pianos, grand pianos and organs, as well as accordions, percussion, sheet music and accessories. The major brands in the instrument sector and renowned instrument makers from all over the world are represented.

The concert highlights of the akustika

A varied supporting programme of concerts and talks will take place across five stages. The line-up features eight big bands, as well as the Veitshöchheim Army Band, the Association of Protestant Trombone Choirs of Bavaria, the North Bavarian Brass Band and the Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra, amongst others. The Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra is regarded as one of Europe’s leading accordion orchestras and has won the world championship title on several occasions. As the accordion is the ‘Instrument of the Year 2026’, it will receive special attention at akustika. A highlight of the akustika programme is the presentation of a high-quality original Stradivarius violin with Yvonne Smeulers. Gagik Hakobyan features in the programme with Magical Duduk, and BR-Heimat from Bayerischer Rundfunk will bring various brass bands to the fair on Saturday; the event will be broadcast live from akustika.

Current industry topics on the nmz Soloists’ Stage

On the nmz Soloists’ Stage, the nmz neue musikzeitung is hosting a series of panel discussions exploring current issues facing the industry: on Friday, the focus will be on music education, with Prof. Jürgen Oberschmidt, President of the Federal Association for Music Education, in conversation with the nmz. In the afternoon, Prof. Rainer Kotzian, President of the Nuremberg University of Music, and Prof. Christian Höppner, President of the German Association of Composers, will discuss the question “Who still wants to become a music school teacher?” with the nmz. On Saturday, the Music Information Centre of the German Music Council will present new data on musical instrument making. Inclusion within and outside music schools is the topic on Sunday, discussed by Daniela Holweg and Jan Hembacher with his inclusive ensemble “Patchwork”. Furthermore, Sunday’s programme will cover the topic “Making music and buying instruments in the age of the internet and AI” as well as “Business succession for instrument makers and specialist music shops”.

A gathering of international composers

A particular highlight is the Composers’ Meet-up, organised by the North Bavarian Music Association (NBMB) in collaboration with Alexandra Link from the Blasmusikblog. In this part of the programme, musicians will meet renowned composers from the scene, such as Johan de Meij, Jacob de Haan, Peter Kleine Schaars, José Alberto Pina, Hubert Hoche, Dominik Wagner, Mathias Wehr, Bart Picqueur, Gauthier Dupertuis, Armin Kofler, Karl-Heinz and Florian Möseneder. These artists will be available for discussions, composer profiles and workshops, offering a unique insight into their work.

BDK Piano Salon at akustika

At the Piano Salon, organised by the Association of German Piano Manufacturers (BDK), visitors have a unique opportunity to experience the ‘flagship’ models from renowned manufacturers and be inspired by the sound, design and craftsmanship of the instruments. The already established Piano Salon featuring concert grand pianos will be complemented this year by the Piano Salon featuring upright pianos. At the Piano Tasting, a ‘culinary’ tour, pianists will showcase the instruments’ tonal diversity on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try out the 12 concert grand pianos and seven concert upright pianos on display at designated times.

The highlight is a DuoClave double grand piano (a concert is scheduled for Friday at 10 am) with a range of 2 x 108 keys, measuring 3.14 m by 1.70 m and weighing 685 kg. After seven years of work, the grand piano, with its extraordinary features and all the innovations it incorporates, will be presented at akustika.

#MIBKON Industry conference for the European musical instrument sector

As part of a strategic partnership, SOMM – Society Of Music Merchants e. V. is introducing several new formats to the akustika programme, specifically designed to foster dialogue between the industry and specialist retailers. The #MIBKON music instrument industry congress brings together manufacturers, retailers and industry experts. Topics include market developments, retail strategies, regulatory issues and the industry’s future prospects. The akustika Business Lounge creates a central hub for discussions between manufacturers, brands and specialist music retailers. Here, meetings can take place, contacts can be nurtured and collaborations prepared. The ‘Musical Classroom’ focuses on music education: workshops and practical sessions demonstrate how instrumental tuition and the development of young talent can be strengthened – a topic that is also relevant for specialist retailers in the long term.

akustika’s partners

Since this year, akustika has been a member of the German Music Council and has entered into a strategic partnership with SOMM – Society Of Music Merchants e. V., Europe’s leading trade association for musical instruments and music equipment. Other new partner associations include the Association of German Music Publishers (DMV) and the General Association of German Music Retailers (GDM). Other expert partners of akustika Nuremberg include the Federal Guild Association for the Musical Instrument Craft (BIV), the Association of German Piano Builders (BDK), the Association of German Violin Makers and Bow Makers (VDG), the Association of German Organ Builders (BDO), the North Bavarian Music Association (NBMB) and the Nuremberg University of Music (HFM). The partners of akustika Nürnberg cover the full spectrum of artisanal instrument making and also represent the interests of orchestral musicians.

About akustika Nuremberg

akustika Nuremberg will take place from 24 to 26 April at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. Admission to the concerts (during the exhibition’s opening hours) is included in the akustika tickets. For trade visitors, such as music retailers, there are separate VIP Business tickets offering an expanded range of trade-specific activities and additional networking events.

“A house full of music” – akustika is the trade fair for artisanal instrument making, offering a wide range of products for professional musicians and specialist music retailers. Instrument makers present their instruments in person, and visitors can try them out on site. Furthermore, the fair provides a platform for instrument makers to exchange ideas in person with colleagues and suppliers of materials and tools, discover industry trends and establish contacts with musicians. With its combined programme of instrument exhibitions, workshops, concerts and supporting events, akustika 2026 offers a platform for networking, learning and discovery.