To mark the Year of Jewish Culture, the Kügelgenhaus - Museum of Dresden Romanticism is showing an exhibition about the von Kaskel family, who had a strong influence on Dresden's economy as well as its artistic and cultural life, especially in the 19th century. The members of the banking dynasty were not only successful entrepreneurs, but also loved and promoted music. Carl Freiherr von Kaskel and his grandson Karl composed, while his sister Sophie Gräfin von Baudissin published literature for young people and piano works. The life and work of this forgotten Dresden family of Jewish origin are presented.
As part of "TACHELES - Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony 2026"
In cooperation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V. and Hatikva e. V.
Supported by the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony
Exhibition dates
Opening: The Kaskels. Art, culture and commerce
Opening of the special exhibition
To mark the Year of Jewish Culture, the Kügelgenhaus - Museum of Dresden Romanticism is showing an exhibition about the von Kaskel family, who had a major influence on Dresden's artistic and cultural life, particularly in the 19th century.
- With Brita Wiederanders (fortepiano)
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.
The von Kaskel family
The year of Jewish culture
The fascinating biographies of the Kaskel family members are presented from the 18th to the 20th century.
- With Dr Matthias Donath (lecture)
- Admission: €10 / reduced €8
- Please book in good time online or by calling the Visitor Service of the Museums of the City of Dresden on 0351 488 7272 (Mon - Fri).
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.
Compositions of the von Kaskel family
The year of Jewish culture
Several members of the von Kaskel family worked as composers, including Sophie Countess von Baudissin, née Kaskel (1817-1894), Carl Freiherr von Kaskel (1797-1874) and his grandson of the same name Carl von Kaskel (1866-1943). Four operas by the latter were performed at the Saxon State Theatre. Their compositions have been completely forgotten and are being heard again for the first time in more than a hundred years.
- Frank Blümel (tenor) and Marc Kirsten (fortepiano)
- Admission: 15 € / reduced 13 €
- Please book in good time online or by calling the Visitor Service of the Museums of the City of Dresden on 0351 488 7272 (Mon - Fri).
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.
Jewish composers in Dresden
The year of Jewish culture
Jewish musicians and composers worked in Dresden for centuries. The Ensemble Mediterrain presents some of their works together with Dr Agatha Schindler as moderator.
- With the Ensemble Mediterrain and Dr Agatha Schindler (moderator)
- Admission: 15 € / reduced 13 €
- Please book in good time online or by calling the Visitor Service of the Museums of the City of Dresden on 0351 488 7272 (Mon - Fri).
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.
Guided tour of the Old Jewish Cemetery: Dresden as a new home
On the Year of Jewish Culture
The Old Jewish Cemetery stands as a eloquent testament to the resettlement of Jews in Dresden. Upon coming to power in 1694, Augustus the Strong deliberately opened up the country to people from other nations. In doing so, he laid the foundations for Saxony’s flourishing cultural and economic development.
This tour introduces Jewish figures who came to Dresden during this period and played a key role in shaping the city for a good 200 years: these included the Kaskel, Gutmann, Elimeyer, Wolfsohn and Fiorino families, who are the focus of this tour.
An event organised by the Saxon Music Society in cooperation with Hatikva e. V.
- Meeting point:
Old Jewish Cemetery
Pulsnitzer Straße 12
01099 Dresden
This initiative is co-funded by tax revenue on the basis of the budget adopted by the Saxon State Parliament.
Guided tour of the New Jewish Cemetery
On the Year of Jewish Culture
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Jews in Dresden played a significant role in shaping the city’s development, until this fruitful period was brought to an end by the Nazis. Despite severe damage caused by the bombing raid in 1945, many magnificent graves have been preserved in this cemetery, bearing witness to families who were particularly committed to this city up until 1933. They shaped their home town culturally, intellectually and economically over many decades. On this tour, we will follow these stories – including those of the Arnhold, Klemperer, Gutmann and Joachimsthal families, amongst many others.
An event organised by the Saxon Music Society in cooperation with Hatikva e. V.
- Meeting point:
New Jewish Cemetery
Fiedlerstraße 3
01307 Dresden
This initiative is co-funded by tax revenue on the basis of the budget adopted by the Saxon State Parliament.
Paul Aron – a Jewish musician and Dresden concert organiser
The year of Jewish culture
the versatile composer and conductor Paul Aron was born in Dresden in 1886. He studied with Max Reger and initiated the music series "Neue Musik Paul Aron" in Dresden. in 1933, he first fled to Czechoslovakia and later to Cuba and the USA, where he died. Prof Dr Matthias Herrmann presents the life and work of the composer.
- With Prof Dr Matthias Herrmann (lecture)
- Admission: €10 / reduced €8
- Please book in good time online or by calling the Visitor Service of the Museums of the City of Dresden on 0351 488 7272 (Mon - Fri).
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.
Carl Maria von Weber's relationship to Judaism in the field of tension between prejudice and enlightenment
The year of Jewish culture
Anti-Semitism was widespread in the 19th century. Some musicians and artists also made public anti-Semitic statements - most notably Richard Wagner. The fact that Carl Maria von Weber and his family were also anti-Semitic is particularly evident in Weber's strained relationship with his publisher Schlesinger. Prof Dr Schmuhl examines the sources on this topic for the first time.
- With Prof Dr Hans-Walter Schmuhl (lecture)
- Admission: €10 / reduced €8
- Please book in good time online or by calling the Visitor Service of the Museums of the City of Dresden on 0351 488 7272 (Mon - Fri).
- In co-operation with the Sächsischer Musikverein e. V.