Nuremberg – akustika Nuremberg has taken another step forward, continuing its steady growth: since its inaugural event three years ago, akustika has developed step by step and established its status as the “trade fair for music” in Germany. akustika 2026 attracted around 11,500 visitors from 49 countries. The fair has thus recorded an increase in visitor numbers as well as a significant rise in international participation. Furthermore, a noticeably higher number of specialist music retailers visited akustika and took advantage of the offerings at the fair specifically aimed at retailers. This area is set to be further expanded next year; at the same time, the next step for akustika is internationalisation, i.e. attracting further international visitor groups.
The 273 exhibitors at akustika, representing 25 countries, showcased a wide variety of products in 2026, covering the main instrument categories with a representative selection. We have already received feedback from further international companies wishing to participate in akustika in future.
Despite its growth, akustika remains focused on the quality of its offerings, the event’s networking aspect and the overall trade fair experience, according to Henning and Thilo Könicke, managing directors of AFAG, the organisers of akustika: “As a trade fair for artisanal instrument making, akustika is the platform for true craftsmanship. It is always impressive to meet the many instrument makers and craft workshops here in person and gain an insight into their work. The accompanying concert programme once again offered numerous top-class highlights and shapes the unique atmosphere of akustika. Especially in the current climate, music is one of the few things that connects people across borders, and this can be experienced everywhere at akustika.”
For the first time, akustika occupied not only the four levels in the NCC Ost at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre but also Hall 7A, which housed music publishers as well as string and plucked string instrument exhibitors. The new hall was well received by visitors and was well attended throughout the exhibition. In addition, Hall 7A hosted the nmz Soloists Stage for the first time, where musical performances, specialist lectures and panel discussions took place.
akustika project manager Maik Heißer is pleased with the development of the trade fair: “We are delighted that akustika has become increasingly established and that we have now built up a large network of strong partners who inspire akustika with their professional expertise and great dedication. A big thank you therefore goes first and foremost to our partners, but also to the exhibitors, programme and stage partners, as well as the numerous musicians, orchestras and composers who took part in akustika. Thanks to them, akustika was once again ‘A full house of music’ in 2026.”
A varied programme was presented across six stages on all three days of the event, comprising 80 concerts, 10 composer portraits, and 50 workshops, seminars and lectures. Highlights included the large wind orchestras, performances by top-class musicians such as Yvonne Smeulers, and the composer portraits presented by the North Bavarian Music Association. As the Instrument of the Year 2026, the accordion received special attention at akustika: the Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra, a top-class ensemble that has even been crowned world champions, gave a performance.
Save the date: akustika 2027 – 9 to 11 April
The next edition of akustika Nürnberg will take place from 9 to 11 April 2027 at Messe Nürnberg.
For the latest information, visit www.akustika-nuernberg.de
Akustika is a member of the German Music Council (DMR)
Partner:
• Bund Deutscher Klavierbauer BDK
• Bund Deutscher Orgelbaumeister BDO
• Bundesinnungsverband für das Musikinstrumenten-Handwerk
• DMV – Verband Deutscher Musikverlage
• GDM – Gesamtverband Deutscher Musikfachgeschäfte
• Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg
• Nordbayerischer Musikbund
• SOMM – Society Of Music Merchants
• Verband Deutscher Geigenbauer und Bogenmacher
Media partner:
• Brawoo
• nmz – neue musikzeitung
Other partners and sponsors:
• bemusico
• Frankustika
• Musik-Klier
• Klavier Kreisel