The sound of violins fills the air in the state-approved spa resort of Bad Elster, a cultural centre and music festival venue in the Vogtland region. This place where therapeutic spring water wells up is also a source of inspiring melodies. "Live life like a king" is the resort's theme in the festival season. The high quality of the Chursachsen Festival and the Saxon/Bohemian Arts Festival has resulted in them becoming two of the foremost cultural events held in central Germany . The acclaimed International Instrumental Competition has even been accepted as a recognised competition by the World Federation of International Music Competitions.Chursachsen Festival
Vogtland is alive with the sound of music when this festival takes place every September. The event is renowned well beyond Saxony for its performances of operas, ballets and dance theatre as well as its orchestral, chamber and church music concerts. Famous ensembles from central Germany and the Czech Republic perform at the festival, such as the Semper Opera Company of Dresden, the Czech State Opera from Prague and theatre groups from Leipzig, Halle and Weimar.Saxon/Bohemian Arts Festival
The "Chursachsen Summer Festival - the Saxon/Bohemian Arts Festival" is held each year from May to October. The programme includes 150 selected cultural events from various genres complemented by numerous guest appearances by the Chursachsen Philharmonic Orchestra in attractive locations in Saxony such as castles, churches and open-air stages.International Instrumental Competition
The International Instrumental Competition held in May in Markneukirchen alternates between string and wind instruments and promotes promising young musicians. The artistic standard of the competitors is high and it is regarded as an important musical event.