* 23 or 24 March 1699, Bergedorf – † 16 December 1783, Venice
Johann Adolf Hasse is regarded as the most influential German opera composer on the cusp of the early Classical period. He perfected the then-prevalent form of opera seria and set new standards in European opera. Hasse was no less successful in the field of church music. His masses and oratorios were performed throughout Europe.
Hasse’s fruitful collaboration with his wife, the celebrated singer Faustina Bordoni, was a stroke of luck. It further enhanced the popularity of both artists.
The KQ traces the career of this important artist from his childhood and youth in and around Hamburg to the musical centres of the 18th century.
Numerous documents – including original libretti, sketches of stage sets and costumes, and historical printed music – paint a multifaceted picture of Hasse’s life and work in European theatres and courts. And a faithful replica of a Baroque opera house allows visitors to appreciate the interplay of forces that enabled the prima donna to soar to the heavens.
_Hinrich_Franck.jpg?m=1778767267)
_Ulrich_Perrey.jpg?m=1778767322)
_Ingeborg_Steifensand.jpg?m=1778767467)
_KQ.jpg?m=1778767558)
The Hasse Society Bergedorf e.V. works tirelessly through research, educational outreach and concerts to keep the music of what is arguably the most famous composer of his time alive.
A unique feature of the Hasse Society is that it is the only organisation based in Hasse’s actual birthplace in Bergedorf, in the immediate vicinity of the church and the castle. Alongside running the museum in the KQ, the restoration and preservation of the building is a key priority for the Society.
"For some visitors, Johann Adolf Hasse is perhaps the least well-known ‘resident’ of the KomponistenQuartier – even though he was undeniably one of the most prominent and popular composers of the mid-18th century. Romain Rolland had already described Hasse’s exclusion from the public consciousness as one of the greatest injustices in history. The Hasse Museum in the KomponistenQuartier finally offers the opportunity to present the composer in all the diversity of his work."
Wolfgang Hochstein on behalf of the Hasse Society Bergedorf for the KQ anniversary in 2025
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission fee
€11 / concessions €8
Free admission for children under 6, €2 for children aged 7 to 12
Public holidays
Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day:
CLOSED
Easter Sunday/Easter Monday, 1 May, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday/Whit Monday, 3 October, 31 October:
OPEN 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Accessibility
The KQ’s exhibition spaces are largely accessible. The historic building housing the Brahms exhibition (Peterstraße 39) requires visitors to have a sure footing (there are uneven surfaces, a steep historic staircase and no lift).
Guided tours
You can explore the museums perfectly well on your own. However, if you prefer a guided tour, we are happy to offer you various tours. Available languages: German, English, Ukrainian, Spanish, French.
The KomponistenQuartier Hamburg (Hamburg Composers' Quarter - KQ) unites six small museums dedicated to Georg Philipp Telemann, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Adolf Hasse, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms, and Gustav Mahler. Located on the historic Peterstrasse, one of the Hanseatic city's most beautiful streets, visitors can explore their lives and works. All of them were connected to Hamburg through family, creative periods, encounters, or professional experiences.