On the occasion of the Year of Jewish Culture, the cultural achievements of the von Kaskel family in the fields of music, literature and architecture for Dresden will be honoured for the first time and their networks to Dresden's artistic circles (including Clara Schumann, the Kügelgens, Ludwig Tieck etc.) will be highlighted. The Kügelgenhaus has a specific biographical connection to the Kaskel family, as the children of Michael Kaskel (1775-1845) and the painter Gerhard von Kügelgen (1772-1820) met in 1813 and maintained a lifelong friendship.
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
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.
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.
