MEETING POINT SALZBURG

The Salzburg Festival has been inaugurated: From July 27 until August 30 2017 the festival presents cultural fireworks with the best conductors, directors, singers, musicians, actors, and orchestras of the world. “It takes two for every piece of art: One who makes it, and one who needs it”, as the sculptor, draughtsman, and writer, Ernst Barlach described the existential relationship between artist and recipient which keeps the Salzburg Festival alive. It also takes two to truly enjoy art, therefore we strongly recommend a stunningly beautiful Escort Salzburg companion for your stay in the city. This year’s festival director is, like the previous year, Markus Hinterhäuser, who trained as a pianist and culture manager. As always, rumours surrounding the details of this season’s program circulated prior to the festival and like every year, the festival management kept their lips sealed up until the official presentation. Now that the secrets are revealed, you can finally know what to look forward to.

UPON MY SOUL, MORETTI WILL DO IT!

A fixture of the Salzburg Festival is the performance of Jedermann (Everyman) in front of the unique backdrop of the Salzburg cathedral. The play is “part of the festival’s genetic code” as Markus Hinterhäuser describes it. At the Viennese “Hotel Sacher” he presented the ensemble of the Hofmannsthal classic:

This year Tobias Moretti, after refusing twice, will take on the role of “Everyman”, while Stefanie Reinsperger will play the “Paramour”. Peter Lohmeyer (who had a long relationship with TV chef Sarah Wiener) will impersonate “Death”. Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s “Jedermann” is based on the tradition of medieval mystery plays, and the 16^th century “Everyman. A Morality Play” in particular.  It revolves around “Jedermann” or “Everyman” who, nearing his death, regrets a debaucherous life and is pardoned by God. Hofmannsthal’s play saw its world premiere on December 1 1911 at Berlin’s circus Schuhman – directed by Max Reinhardt, the namesake of Vienna’s famous acting school. Reinhardt was also the director, when “Jedermann” was shown on the 22^nd of August 1920, marking the birth of the Salzburg Festival. With few exceptions, “Jedermann” has been recurring annually ever since and is considered the festival’s highlight.

You and your Escort Salzburg can also look forward to the performance of the opera “Aida” under star conductor Riccardo Muti. Russian opera diva Anna Netrebko appears in the title role. In the director’s chair sits filmmaker Shirin Neshat, who has made herself a name through her campaigning for women’s rights, and now lends Aida her unique touch. The opera will be an “Aida of records”, not only because all seven evenings are already sold out. Also on the program, are Berg’s “Wozzeck”, Reimann’s “Lear”, Mozart’s “Tito”, and Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth”. Even the new French president Emmanuel Macron will honour the festival with his presence, as he will meet chancellor Kern to enjoy arts and culture together.

Until August 30, many operas and plays as well as a feast of concerts will lure many a culture aficionado to the Salzach. All in all, 200,000 tickets will be printed, which can be purchased via the festival’s homepage. Be quick, they won’t take long to sell out!