29 September, 2025

October 29th - November 2nd 2025

When the World Harmonica Festival (WHF) opens its doors for the tenth time in Trossingen in autumn 2025, one name will be inextricably linked with it: Gerhard Müller. For more than two decades, he has been responsible for the world's largest international harmonica event with passion, experience and tireless dedication – and has made it what it is today: an internationally unique forum for music, encounters and inspiration.

Müller's connection to the festival did not begin behind the scenes, but on stage. In 1989, he participated as a musician himself and experienced the special festival atmosphere first-hand. A few years later, he took over the organisation – out of love for the harmonica and the firm conviction that this festival must live on. ‘If I hadn't stepped in back then, the WHF probably wouldn't exist today,’ he recalls.

Since 2001, he has been running the festival with heart and foresight. Under his leadership, it has become known far beyond the borders of Trossingen. Every four years, musicians from all continents flock to the Hohner city – a global gathering of the harmonica community that is unique in its form.

For Müller, the recipe for success lies in diversity: competitions at the highest level, exciting workshops for beginners and professionals alike, and a wide-ranging concert programme featuring international artists. In 2025, visitors can once again look forward to special evenings – from world-class Asian performers to blues and folk traditions to a gala offering a veritable firework display of timbres from tango to jazz. The programme is complemented by exclusive concerts such as the Tommy Reilly Memorial in the Martin Luther Church or the chamber concert with the Hong Kong Harmonica Association Orchestra and its soloists and ensembles in the University of Music.

‘Of course, you need big names to attract people to Trossingen,’ Müller emphasises. ‘But it's just as important to me to offer young talents a stage and put their great qualities in the spotlight.’

In addition to his organisational commitment, Müller is himself a passionate musician. Inspired by his father, he started playing the harmonica at an early age. He was a member of the Hohnerklang orchestra for many years and still performs today as a member of the Harmonicamen to harmonica quartet. Today, he finds balance in dancing with his wife and gardening – moments that give him new energy for his big tasks.

Gerhard Müller is many things: a family man, musician, organiser – but above all, the heart of the World Harmonica Festival. His dedication has not only preserved the WHF, but also made it an international institution. It is mainly thanks to him that the tenth edition will be celebrated in 2025.

Further information about the WHF and tickets for the concerts are available at: https://worldharmonicafestival.de. Concert tickets will also be available shortly at the Trossingen Citizens' Office.