The Happiness Guitar Ensemble

108 guitars. One sound.

Stand on stage at BMW Park Munich – with 107 other guitarists, in front of 6,000 people.

Saturday, 31 October 2026, as part of the Happiness Festival. Every level is welcome – from your first year of lessons to the concert stage. There is a part written for every ability, and every part matters.

Register now Questions? gitarre@artofliving.de
Sat 31 October 2026 · BMW Park Munich Only 108 places · last day to join: Thu 1 October No fee – just your festival ticket
Acoustic guitar being played 108 places · 31 October

A Sweet Devotion tribute – celebrating 45 years of The Art of Living. Led by Marcel Verbay.

The stage

One evening. 6,000 people. And you on stage.

On 31 October the Happiness Festival fills BMW Park Munich – live music, a guided meditation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, performances. The Guitar Ensemble is one of its highlights: 108 guitarists, one piece, one sound.

BMW Park Munich arena
BMW Park MunichSaturday, 31 October 2026 · on stage at 19:45
Find your part

Every level. Every part matters.

The ensemble is designed so that players of different levels perform together. The arrangement has five parts – from simple lines for newer players to demanding melodies for experienced guitarists. Beginners and advanced players stand in the same formation and play the same piece.

Not sure which one is yours? Tell us how long you have been playing and we will place you. Twenty of the 108 play Bass – the easiest part, and the one that carries the whole sound.
Just starting out? Our Guitar & Mantra Workshop on 26–27 September is the perfect on-ramp to the ensemble. Learn more →
How it works

The road to 31 October.

Three online practice Sundays, one final session, one rehearsal in Munich – and then the stage. Everything except your Happiness Festival ticket is free.

  1. 1By Thursday, 1 October

    Register

    One form for you – or for your whole group. Only 108 places.

  2. 2After registration

    Get your materials

    Sheet music and play-along tracks for all five parts – free.

  3. 3Sundays 4 · 11 · 18 October · 16:00 – 17:00 · online

    Practice Sundays

    A weekly practice hour with the team. Drop in whenever you can.

  4. 4By Sunday, 11 October

    Practice videorequired

    A short clip of you playing along – it helps us place you in the right part.

  5. 5Sunday, 25 October · 16:00 – 18:00 · online

    Final sessionrequired

    Everything comes together. Part allocations for the performance.

  6. 6Friday, 30 October · evening · Munich

    Full rehearsalrequired

    The whole ensemble in one room – at a Munich venue, not BMW Park.

  7. 7Saturday, 31 October · BMW Park Munich

    On stagerequired

    Check-in 14:00 – 16:00 · on stage at 19:45.

Travelling from outside Munich? You need to be in Munich on both 30 and 31 October.
Ask us about accommodation: gitarre@artofliving.de
Participation

No fee. Just your festival ticket.

To take part you simply need a Happiness Festival ticket – starting from €25 for students & seniors, regular price €59. There is no additional fee to join the ensemble.

Included

Free for all participants
  • Sheet music and play-along tracks
  • Three practice Sundays online4, 11 and 18 October
  • Final session online25 October
  • Full rehearsal in Munich30 October
  • Your place on stage as part of 108 Guitars31 October, BMW Park Munich

You bring

What we ask of you
  • A Happiness Festival ticketfrom €25 for students & seniors · regular price €59
    Any ticket category works.
  • An acoustic guitar – nylon or steel-stringElectric guitars can’t be individually amplified for 108 players
  • Tuner and music stand
  • Travel and accommodationnot included
Register for the ensemble Get your festival ticket
Who leads

Led by Marcel Verbay.

Marcel Verbay with his guitar

Marcel Verbay

Musical direction

Senior teacher with The Art of Living, with more than 35 years in music, breathwork and meditation, and guitar teacher at the Musikschule Region Sursee. He conducts the 108 guitarists on stage on 31 October.

Your practice team · weekly online sessions
Steve GierdharieGiorgio MinecciStephen ChopardJulia StenzelCamille Abgrall
Part of the Happiness Festival

Ready to play? 108 places.

Last day to join: Thursday, 1 October 2026. Every level welcome – there is a part written for you.

Register now Ask a question
31 October · BMW Park Munich108 places · register by 1 Oct Register now