In the weeks of the Salzkammergut Festival, the stars exchange hands again. Under the motto “Central Questions – Big Emotions”, Christian Hickey as Artistic Director, Karin Bergmann (Literature and Theater) and Commercial Director Johanna Mitterbauer have drawn up a colorful and well-thought-out program for the Summer Festival from 28 June to August. eighteen.
In the music sector, the Salzkammergut Open Air concert in Tuscany Park Gmunden with the Bruckner Orchestra as well as Irvin Schrott and Erika Eloff (6/7 July) stands out again. On the Fourth of July, star conductor Franz Welser Most invites you to a mixture of folk music, classical music and other musical genres under the slogan “Make music, listen and share” with Rafael Wengerlos and Hollerstauden. On 21 July, the Arnold Schoenberg Choir can be heard performing Bruckner's Requiem No. 1 and Schoenberg's “Peace on Earth” at the Tuscany Congress, followed by René Pape with a concert on 27 July.
Photo: Volker Wehbold
This year the festival weeks will be expanded to include a strong pop/crossover/indie focus. In August, Salzburg's new “everyman” Philipp Hochmeier with his band Schiller Ballad Rave (August 2), and indie rock duo Carey Carey (August 3) and Herbert Bixner (August 4) will perform at a second outdoor event. Vodoo Jürgens will come to the Gmunden City Theater on August 16.
In the theater sector, Bergman, former director of the Burgtheater, has created two premieres: In collaboration with the Linz State Theater, Schnitzler's “Liebelei” premiered on 11 July at the Stadttheater Gmunden, directed by the young Anna Stepani, with Samuel Finzi and Petra Murzi. Sven-Erik Bechtolf also organizes An Evening in Kafka's Year by crossing over his texts “Report to an Academy” and “Little Woman” (August 9/12, Stadttheater). There are also a number of theatrical readings, such as Bernhard's “Theatermacher” with Michael Mertens and Marie-Louise Stockinger (26 July, Tuscany Conference).
Photo: Rafaela Brühl
90 events
After three photographs by Gottfried Helnwein in XXL format caused a lot of excitement in downtown Gmunden in January, this will now be followed by an exhibition of his photographs from June 13 to July 28 at the Kammerhof Museum. Despite the turmoil, Joanna Mitterbauer is satisfied: “We were able to start a dialogue.” The festival is also going according to plan: after a record season in 2023 with 30,500 visitors, the number of events will be increased from 70 to 90 this year. The budget has increased from 1.3 to 1.5 million euros, and they also want to increase the utilization rate to 85 percent.
Photo: APA/Hans Klaus TECHT
For Karen Bergman, the festival weeks are justified, especially given the difficult times: “It is an exceptional period. Escape from reality must be allowed,” she says. “Art can give strength, comfort and be supportive of the spirit.”
All information on festwochen-gmunden.at
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Herbert Schorn
Culture and Life Editor
Herbert Schorn
“Travel aficionado. Certified problem solver. Pop culture guru. Typical writer. Entrepreneur. Coffee trailblazer.”
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