World-class sport at the Soers and an evening for the history books: TSCHIO Aachen 2026 is already casting a long shadow in advance. During the traditional press conference at the Allianz Park, the show-jumper, Richard Vogel; General Music Director, Christopher Ward; Aachen’s Lord Mayor, Michael Ziemons, and officials from the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) whet everyone’s appetite for the upcoming weekend – and for a supporting programme that will be enhanced by a spectacular new highlight in 2026.

For the crowd’s darling, Richard Vogel – the current contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – returning to the Aachen Soers is accompanied by a clear goal. “I associate Aachen with some of the most emotional moments in my career to-date,” the man, who currently ranks number three in the world, stated. “The atmosphere in the Main Stadium is incomparable – that adrenaline-filled, goosebump feeling exists nowhere else in the world.” Looking ahead to the Rolex Grand Prix, the 29-year-old emphasised what drives him: “I am fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge. The Rolex Grand Slam holds immense significance in our sport. To have the privilege of coming here as its contender is truly something very special.” However, Vogel doesn’t want to put too much pressure on himself: “We don’t intend to change much in our preparation. United Touch S is in great form and has proven many times in the past that he feels very much at home at the Soers. So, all that remains is to hope we are able to put in our very best performance and that the necessary stroke of luck is on our side.”

To deliver their very best performance – that is the objective that will unite his fellow competitors too, starting May 22^nd. The ALRV Board Member, Birgit Rosenberg, underlined the exceptional quality of the line-up: “We can look forward to a level of sporting intensity that is extraordinary – even for our standards here in Aachen.” Twenty-four of the top 25 riders in the world rankings are travelling to Aachen with the intention of having a decisive say in the outcome of the Rolex Grand Prix. The reigning European Champion, Richard Vogel, will be joined by, among others, the reigning Olympic Champion, Christian Kukuk (GER); the reigning World Champion, Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden; last year’s winner, Martin Fuchs (SUI), and – no other than Scott Brash from Great Britain – the only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping to-date.

The traditional “Horse & Symphony” concert promises to be a special highlight of the supporting programme in 2026. The concert is being staged in a spectacular setting this year: as a one-off occurrence, the acclaimed show is moving into the legendary Main Stadium. The stage could hardly be more impressive and the evening’s theme certainly does justice to the backdrop: James Bond. “We look forward to having the opportunity to present the concert in this unique setting,” reported Birgit Rosenberg. “And to welcoming some magnificent guests!” The dressage queen, Isabell Werth, is taking part, as is the rising star, Moritz Treffinger, as well as the four-in-hand driving heroes Boyd Exell, Dries Degrieck, Bram Chardon and Anna Sandmann. Britt Ekland, who was the face behind the Bond Girl in the 1974 film “The Man with the Golden Gun” will also be on board as a special guest. Richard Vogel, is joining forces with Luciana Diniz on the evening of May 23^rd to create a truly special atmosphere in the Main Stadium: “For us riders, this is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the audience,” explained the show-jumper. “And honestly, I personally get a real thrill out of performances like this.”

The President of the ALRV, Stefanie Peters, is also eagerly looking forward to this extraordinary evening: “It is important for us to offer our guests a holistic experience that extends far beyond the sport itself – and that is precisely the purpose of formats like the MERKUR CASINO-Cup and the “Horse & Symphony.” The concert promises to be a particularly emotional occasion for Christopher Ward as well. The General Music Director of the City of Aachen, who has shaped the “Horse & Symphony” concert for many years with his passion and keen intuition for creating great musical moments, will be conducting the show for the very last time at the CHIO Aachen 2026. “Over the past eight years, the “Horse & Symphony” has truly grown close to my heart,” the British conductor revealed. “The fusion between music and horses – between precision and emotion – is unique; and the fact that we now have the privilege of celebrating this format in the Main Stadium serves as a crowning finale.” Looking ahead to his farewell concert, he added: “James Bond stands for unmistakable music and iconic hits. That is precisely what we aim to bring to the Soers on this evening – a concert that will be memorable long after the final notes have died down.”

The tournament has long since become far more than a mere sporting event for the City of Aachen, too. Aachen’s Lord Mayor, Michael Ziemons, emphasised the significance of the TSCHIO for the entire region: “During the show, the whole world looks to Aachen. This coming weekend, we are hosting one of the country’s greatest sporting events – this fills us with pride and grants our city enormous visibility. Many people around the globe know the name Aachen through the equestrian sport, associating it with powerful emotions and unforgettable moments.” Ziemons, who will be experiencing the event for the first time in his new political role, also placed the event within the context of the broader annual sporting calendar: “The TSCHIO is like a complimentary appetiser from the ALRV kitchen – an initial, exquisitely delightful foretaste of what is yet to come in August with the World Championships.”

Hence, even in its more compact format, the TSCHIO Aachen 2026 will once again embody the qualities that distinguish this event year after year: three days of world-class show jumping, embedded within a supporting programme, which combines peak athletic performances with emotional, goosebump-filled moments – crowned by a “Horse & Symphony” evening packed with elegance, excitement and unforgettable moments. However, anyone wishing to attend last-minute will have to hurry: There are only a few remaining tickets available.

Tickets and further information regarding the TSCHIO Aachen 2026 or the “Horse & Symphony” concert are available online via the ticket shop, by phone on +49(0)241–917–1111 and from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V.