In summer, the North German city of Hitzacker, becomes a haven for musicians and music lovers, who meet on the River Elbe, for what has become known as “Sommerliche Musiktage Hitzacker”.

The 10-day festival subtly blends different music styles and provides artists and audience with the unique opportunity to meet and talk to each other.
This year, the 64th festival in Hitzacker, offered yet another highlight with its `Belmont Prize´, which went to the Italian-born pianist and conductor Marino Formenti. Peter Zimmermann has this portrait.