The Lower Saxony Music Festival has always sought to take classical music far beyond the boundaries of the standard concert hall. This year the festival's theme is 'Happiness' and runs from September 6 to October 10. Director Katrin Zagrosek explains: 'The happiness theme has marvellously captured a hallmark of our festival: our itinerant concerts and musical meanderings out in the elements. Lush green, fresh air, tranquillity and inspiration – the many enthusiastic responses to our programme show that our "natural concerts" have an extremely positive effect on the heart and mind, and probably on our immune system as well. What greater good fortune can one offer an audience than an experience of happiness itself? That is why so many events this year will be celebrating happiness as a combination of music and nature in rural Lower Saxony.'

This year's roster of artists includes the Bamberg SO with Jonathan Nott, Concerto Köln with Vivica Genaux, baritone Matthias Goerne and the NDR Symphony Orchestra with Andrew Manze. For more information about the Lower Saxony Festival visit the festival's website www.musiktage.de.

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