Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld – Tradition, Orchestra & International Festival

Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld is the home of bandoneon culture in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge).
On this page you will find:

Our mission is to preserve the bandoneon’s tradition and share its sound with new generations.

About Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld

Mission & Activities

Our mission is to preserve the unique heritage of the bandoneon in Carlsfeld, the birthplace of the instrument. We organize regular concerts, run rehearsal programs for young players, and promote the bandoneon as part of the cultural identity of the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge).

Through international partnerships and local projects, we connect tradition with modern music culture. The association is currently led by Robert Wallschläger, master craftsman and cultural ambassador of Carlsfeld.

Founded 2001

Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld was established in 2001 by local musicians and enthusiasts. Since then, the association has grown into a cultural anchor point in the region, uniting professional players, young learners, and an active audience. Its work is recognized beyond Germany thanks to the annual International Bandoneon Festival.

Logo of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld
Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld Logo

International Bandoneon Festival in Carlsfeld

Poster of the International Bandoneon Festival in Carlsfeld with program highlights 2025
International Bandoneon Festival Carlsfeld – Program Poster 2025

Festival Highlights & Program

The International Bandoneon Festival in Carlsfeld brings musicians and ensembles from Germany, Argentina, Uruguay, and other countries together every year. The program includes concerts, workshops, and cultural events in the Ore Mountains region. Visitors experience the full spectrum of the bandoneon – from classical works to tango and contemporary interpretations.

Dates, Tickets & Visitor Info

The festival takes place every summer in Carlsfeld. Information about program details and tickets is published in advance on the official website of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld. Travel and accommodation tips are provided further down on this page. Groups and international guests are welcome to contact us directly for assistance with planning their stay.

Festival FAQs

Carlsfeld lies in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), Saxony, near the Czech border. It can be reached by car from Chemnitz or Zwickau in about one hour, and there are bus connections via Aue and Eibenstock. For exact directions, see Google Maps.

The bandoneon festival takes place every summer in Carlsfeld. Program details of the festival and further events are published on the official website of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld: bandonionverein-carlsfeld.de/termine.

Tickets for concerts and events can be purchased through the official website of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld: bandonionverein-carlsfeld.de/bandonionfestival-2025.

Bandoneon Orchestra Carlsfeld & Youth Education

Orchestra Performances (Erzgebirge & Chemnitz)

The Bandoneon Orchestra Carlsfeld performs regularly in the Ore Mountains region and in nearby cultural centers such as Chemnitz. The repertoire spans traditional Erzgebirge music, classical works, and international tango pieces. Our concerts highlight the versatility of the bandoneon and demonstrate how local traditions connect with global music culture. Upcoming events are announced on the concerts page.

Children & Youth Orchestra – Training & Entry

Supporting the next generation is at the heart of our association. The Children & Youth Orchestra offers regular rehearsals, professional instruction, and opportunities to perform on stage. Beginners can borrow instruments, while advanced players receive guidance for competitions and public appearances. Information about joining and rehearsal times can be found on the official website of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld.

Bandoneon Orchestra Carlsfeld on stage with all players during a concert and youth education program
On stage with the Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld – bringing the bandoneon tradition to life.

Bandoneon Tradition & History in the Erzgebirge

Origins & Cultural Heritage

The bandoneon was developed in the 19th century as a free-reed instrument in Germany. In Carlsfeld, located in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), the instrument became part of everyday musical life. It was played in churches, local clubs, and family gatherings. Today, the bandoneon is not only associated with Argentine tango but also remains a living symbol of cultural heritage in the Erzgebirge. Visitors can explore this tradition as part of regional cultural tourism in Saxony.

Historic bandoneon factory in Carlsfeld, Erzgebirge, showing the origins of bandoneon tradition
The original Alfred Arnold factory in Carlsfeld (Erzgebirge), where bandoneons and concertinas were handcrafted in the early 20th century.

Carlsfeld’s Role in Bandoneon History

Carlsfeld is recognized as the birthplace of the bandoneon. Instrument makers based here shaped the sound and design that became internationally renowned. The village’s legacy is preserved by the Bandoneon Museum in Carlsfeld and the activities of Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld. Through concerts, educational programs, and the International Bandoneon Festival, Carlsfeld continues to carry this historic role into the present.

Visit Carlsfeld – Practical Information

How to Get to Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld in the Erzgebirge

Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld is located in the village of Carlsfeld in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), Saxony, close to the Czech border. The area can be reached by car from Chemnitz and Zwickau in about one hour.

Public transport connections via Aue and Eibenstock are available, with local bus services running directly to Carlsfeld. Visitors traveling from abroad can fly to Dresden or Leipzig airports and continue their journey by train and bus to visit Carlsfeld.

Local Tips & Partner Links

Carlsfeld offers a scenic mountain setting with hiking trails, winter sports facilities, and cultural landmarks connected to the history of the bandoneon. During the International Bandoneon Festival, local hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants provide special arrangements for visitors.

For accommodation and regional activities, please see the official tourism portal of the Erzgebirge. For museum and heritage information related to Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld, visit the history page.

Contact & Location

Bandoneonverein Carlsfeld e.V.
Carlsfelder Hauptstraße 52
08309 Eibenstock / OT Carlsfeld, Germany
Phone: +49 37752 55588
Website: bandonionverein-carlsfeld.de

For inquiries, please contact us by email at info@bandonion.de.