Pauls Sakral

Pauls Sakral: sacred music in the heart of the Oltradige

Pauls Sakral is one of the most highly regarded sacred music festivals in South Tyrol, based in Appiano sulla Strada del Vino (Eppan an der Weinstraße), in the province of Bolzano. The event brings high-level concerts to the town's historic churches, with the stated goal of complementing the area's broad secular cultural offerings with a program dedicated to spirituality, while introducing the public to the diverse organ landscape of the Oltradige.

A history rooted in the region

The Pauls Sakral association was founded in 2005, but concert activity in San Paolo dates back to 1998, centered around the two organs of the monumental parish church, known as the "cathedral on the hill." Over the years, the festival has progressively evolved into a true musical journey along the Wine Road, involving the localities of Andriano, San Paolo, Frangarto, Cornaiano, and extending to Caldaro, Termeno, Ora, and Egna, featuring sacred music concerts, symposia, masterclasses, and workshops.

A program that goes beyond the organ

Under the artistic direction of Matthias Mayr, the festival has expanded its original organ-focused vocation, transforming into an experimental platform that also welcomes other instruments—saxophone, zither, psaltery, cello, marimba—as well as vocal ensembles and choirs. The repertoire spans from the Baroque to the Romantic period, with a particular focus on highlighting the historic organs of the Oltradige churches.

The churches and venues

The concerts take place in the parish churches of the Appiano municipality: the church of San Paolo, the church of Cornaiano (Girlan), and the church of Frangarto (Frangart), spaces that combine acoustic excellence with significant artistic and architectural heritage. Each event is designed to guide the audience through an immersive listening experience, where music engages in a dialogue with sacred architecture.

A staple for the South Tyrolean audience

Included in the cultural calendar of Trentino-South Tyrol and promoted in collaboration with the local community, Pauls Sakral is a landmark for enthusiasts of early and sacred music in the Bolzano area. The festival attracts a loyal audience every year, drawn as much by the quality of the musical offerings as by the unique setting of the Oltradige churches.