A Guide to Felix Mendelssohn Concerts: Works, Formats, and How to Find Events
By Felix Mendelssohn · March 25, 2026
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809–1847) is one of the most frequently programmed composers in the classical music canon. This portal tracks 155 Mendelssohn events across 20 countries. This guide explains the main works, the different concert formats, and how to use the portal to find events.
The Principal Works
Orchestral Works
The Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64 (1845) is the most programmed of Mendelssohn’s orchestral works. It appears in orchestral programs worldwide throughout the year. The soloist part is demanding and the work is standard repertoire for major international violinists.
The symphonies include five numbered works. The Third (“Scottish,” op. 56) and Fourth (“Italian,” op. 90) are the most frequently performed. The Fourth Symphony, in A major, is one of the most programmed symphonies in the late-Romantic orchestral repertoire.
The Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), op. 26, is a concert overture frequently programmed as an opener or standalone work. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, op. 61, includes the well-known Wedding March and is often performed as a suite alongside Shakespeare productions.
Choral Works
Elijah, op. 70 (1846) is the most programmed Mendelssohn oratorio. It is a large-scale work for four soloists, chorus, and orchestra running approximately 130 to 150 minutes. The portal tracks 28 oratorio events, the majority of which are Elijah performances.
St. Paul, op. 36 (1836) is the earlier of Mendelssohn’s two completed oratorios. It is programmed less frequently than Elijah but remains a standard work in the choral tradition.
Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise), op. 52 (1840), is a symphony-cantata in two parts. The first three movements function as a symphony; the fourth and longest part is a choral cantata. It requires similar forces to the oratorios.
Chamber Music
The String Octet in E-flat major, op. 20 (1825), composed when Mendelssohn was 16, is considered one of the masterworks of chamber music. It is scored for four violins, two violas, and two cellos. The portal tracks 16 chamber music events.
The Piano Trios in D minor (op. 49) and C minor (op. 66) are among the most performed piano trios in the repertoire. The String Quartets, particularly op. 13 and op. 80, are also regularly programmed by professional ensembles.
Keyboard Works
The Songs Without Words (Lieder ohne Worte) are 48 short character pieces for solo piano, published in eight volumes between 1829 and 1845. The Venetian Boat Songs and the Bee’s Wedding (Spinning Song) are among the most recognized. These appear regularly in solo recital programs.
Concert Formats in the Database
Concerts (102 events)
The largest category. Orchestral concerts typically run 90 to 120 minutes with an interval. Programs often pair a Mendelssohn work with one or two other composers. Chamber music concerts are shorter and take place in smaller venues.
Oratorios (28 events)
Full-scale performances of Elijah, St. Paul, Lobgesang, or Christus (op. 97, unfinished). These require large choral forces and run 90 to 150 minutes without interval, or with one interval for Elijah. Performances are concentrated in spring and autumn.
Chamber Music (16 events)
Small ensemble performances in recital halls, churches, or private venues. The Octet and piano trios are the most common programming choices.
Recitals (6 events) and Masterclasses (3 events)
Solo or duo recitals typically feature Songs Without Words or violin works. Masterclasses are educational events open to an audience, usually at conservatories or summer academies.
Using the Portal
The portal’s event pages display concerts by date, country, and event type. The calendar view shows upcoming events by month. Country location pages — particularly United States (56 events), Germany (21), United Kingdom (16), France (13), and Australia (9) — are the most active locations for finding events near you.
The category filter allows narrowing results to specific formats such as oratorio, chamber music, or recital.
Data from Felix Mendelssohn portal. 155 events tracked across 20 countries.