Hermann Hesse Days

Literature and Music at the Hermann Hesse Days in Gaienhofen

From October 10 to 12, 2025, the lecture series at the Bürgerhaus Gaienhofen will offer exciting insights into the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse, who spent eight formative years of his life in the idyllic community of Gaienhofen. In collaboration with renowned speakers and artists, a multifaceted examination of his creative work and personal development will be presented. Prof. Dr. Andrea Bartl, Dr. h. c. Volker Michels, Prof. Dr. Karl-Josef Kuschel, and Regina Bucher will deliver in-depth lectures. Topics will include Hesse's relationship with his older sister Adele Gundert, his friendship with the legendary violinist Fritz Kreisler, and his engagement with addiction and cultural criticism. Additionally, the theme "Poetry as Resistance" will be addressed – another important aspect of Hesse's thinking and writing. A special highlight will be the scenic-musical reading by Graziella Rossi and Helmut Vogel, accompanied by Noëlle Grüëbler (violin) and Andrea Wiesli (piano). They will bring works by Fritz Kreisler, Beethoven, and Massenet to life, providing a sonorous complement to the literary program. Another event will delve into Hesse's personal search: in a unique life portrait in words and music, Vera Bauer (language) and David Goldzycher (violin) will present the poet as a "Seeker." As part of the accompanying program, there will be an opportunity to visit the exhibition "Images of Lost Time: Graphics by Jan Peter Thorbecke with Poems by Christine Zureich" at the Hesse Museum Gaienhofen. A literary break invites attendees to explore the Mia and Hermann Hesse House, the poet's second residence in Gaienhofen. The Hermann Hesse Days are organized by the municipality of Gaienhofen in collaboration with the Gaienhofen Tourist Information and the Hesse Museum Gaienhofen. For more information and registration, interested parties can contact the Gaienhofen Tourist Information at Tel. +49 (0)7735 9999 123 or via email at touristinfo@gaienhofen.de.