History of the Blockflötenfesttage

Matters of the heart last the longest – since 1985, our festival, the Blockflötenfesttage, has been a cornerstone of the early music landscape and the international woodwind scene.

Thanks to the initiative, long-term funding, organization, and dedication of Eva & Wilhelm Becker and their helpers, this renowned festival celebrating the recorder and early music emerged in the heart of Germany. For over 30 years, they have brought together the international “who’s who” of artists, instrument makers, and specialized publishers before a large audience, creating an annual platform for world-class musical experiences and connections on equal footing.

The Becker couple receiving the Federal Cross of Merit

It is hardly surprising that in 2015, the couple was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon for their joint and tireless dedication – a high and well-deserved honor that recognizes nothing less than a lifetime of achievement.

On his birthday, May 15, 2015, Maurice Steger performed one of Wilhelm Becker’s favorite pieces, Van Eyck’s English Nightingale, in honor of the great recognition of the Federal Cross of Merit. The performance was dedicated to Eva and Wilhelm Becker, wishing them many more “high flights” to come—for both the celebrated couple and the Stockstadt Festival!

It all began in 1985 with the Blockflötentage in Darmstadt (take a look at our program booklet archive), from where the event soon moved to the Rüsselsheim City Theater due to its great success. Since 1997, the Blockflötenfesttage have been held in Stockstadt am Rhein, the hometown of the Becker couple in Hesse.

From left to right: Sébastien Marq, recorder | Pierre Hantaï, harpsichord | Marc Minkowski, baroque bassoon & dulcian | Hugo Reyne, recorder

The recorder quartet that made history: the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet with Paul Leenhouts, Bertho Driever, Daniel Brüggen, and Karel van Steenhoven. The Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet has been part of the festival since its very first edition and became a regular guest, constantly bringing fresh program ideas and innovations. To this day, these four musicians are regarded as the recorder quartet of the 20th century.

With great warmth, passion, and dedication, a music festival was created that continues to inspire both young and old. Twenty editions have been celebrated in Stockstadt, and the festival has established itself not only for recorder enthusiasts or early music fans but as a musical hub for everyone.

The artistic direction was shared by Wilhelm Becker and Maurice Steger in 2017. They attended each concert together, discussed quality and artistic content, and talked about the future direction of the festival. This future is now in the hands of Maurice Steger, who will continue the festival with great enthusiasm, maintaining its musical diversity in the spirit of the Beckers.

The greatest names in the field regularly performed in Stockstadt: Mr. Savall, Leonhardt, the Kuijken brothers, and especially Ms. Verbruggen were always welcome guests. But the recorder ensembles Loeki Stardust and the Flanders Recorder Quartet, Han Tol, and Meike Herzig also frequently brought life to Stockstadt, followed later by the ensemble l’Ornamento. In 1998, Maurice Steger joined, as did Musica Antiqua Köln and Reinhard Goebel. World-class performances in the province.

Dorothee Oberlinger, Lorenzo Cavasanti & Continuoensemble

The German recorder player Dorothee Oberlinger, whether performing in recitals or in innovative ensemble projects, has been a constant presence in Stockstadt since 2000, never taking a break and continually setting new standards. And time and again, there are vocal concerts or early music formations presenting previously unheard music at the Blockflötenfesttage.

In 2020, the festival, like many other cultural events, had to be canceled due to the pandemic. In 2021, the Blockflötenfesttage were held in an adapted online format. In 2022, the festival welcomed its visitors for the first time in Bad Kissingen.

2025: The Blockflötenfesttage will celebrate their 40th edition in 2025 – a milestone for the festival, which has moved from Stockstadt to Bad Kissingen. Since its founding, it has stood for musical excellence, innovation, and a passion for the recorder. A celebration of the past, present, and future of recorder music!

Listen here to a radio segment by Ms. Natascha Pflaumbaum, Hessischer Rundfunk (spoken in German):

Here you can find our 2025 program: