Embassy of Ireland to Host Twelfth Edition of "The Last Rose of Summer"

From August 14 to 18, 2026, the Mendelssohn-Remise on Gendarmenmarkt will be transformed for the twelfth time into a stage for the “The Last Rose of Summer” international lunch concert festival. This cultural initiative is a collaborative event organized by the Mendelssohn Society and sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland. Under the artistic direction of Judith Ingolfsson and Vladimir Stoupel, the festival aims to spotlight diverse musical voices, ranging from traditional Irish sounds to modern chamber music.

The 2026 program emphasizes historical and gender diversity by specifically featuring the works of female composers such as Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Clara Schumann, and Rebecca Clarke. A significant highlight is the return of harpist Siobhán Armstrong, who will open the festival with a program of Old Irish music from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Additionally, saxophonist Christoph Enzel will perform contemporary pieces, including his own compositions, to expand the festival’s sonic variety.

The event serves as a hub for international artistic dialogue, bringing together performers from Germany, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, and Ukraine. This global cooperation is further reflected in the International Last Rose Academy, which runs parallel to the concerts from August 11 to 20, 2026. Under the leadership of Prof. Judith Ingolfsson, the academy provides specialized training to young musicians, including eleven students from Ukraine, focusing on violin, viola, and piano.

The concerts take place daily at the Mendelssohn-Remise, the former headquarters of the Mendelssohn Bank in Berlin-Mitte. Each lunch concert begins at 1:00 p.m. and lasts approximately 60 minutes, followed by Masterclass Final Concerts on the evenings of August 19 and 20. This format allows the public to engage with both established professionals and the next generation of classical talent within a historic architectural setting.

The 2026 edition of "The Last Rose of Summer" reinforces the cultural connection between Ireland and Germany through shared musical heritage. By spotlighting marginalized voices and fostering young talent, the festival contributes to the vibrant cultural landscape of Berlin. It remains a significant platform for multilateral exchange, ensuring that historical musical traditions and modern interpretations continue to reach an international audience.

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