Across borders

Music festival becomes a “mission forward” for the army

A great atmosphere awaits the many spectators in May.(Bild: Molnar Attila)

On May 22 and 23, the nationwide Military Music Festival 2024 will take place against a fantastic backdrop at Grafenegg Castle in Lower Austria. A unique experience awaits. 

One thing is clear: "All the secrets will not be revealed today," explains Head of Army Music Bernhard Heher with a promising smile. When this year's Military Music Festival takes place in Grafenegg on May 22 and 23, "shows and spectacles" will provide a unique experience against a fantastic backdrop. When "history meets tradition and the future across all borders, a great stage is created for military music", emphasized Johanna Mikl-Leitner, head of the province.

Guests in Grafenegg: Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner are already looking forward to the festival.(Bild: Molnar Attila)

According to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, this is not just a real "mission forward" in musical terms: in addition to a unique show, new equipment such as tanks and Leonardo helicopters will also be used in Grafenegg. "It shows that the Austrian Armed Forces are on the upswing," says Tanner.

Tradition meets modernity
Military music has been an integral part of the Austrian armed forces since the 19th century. Some have already relegated it to the sidelines, but its tonal power now shines across all national borders. "The last time a military music festival took place in Lower Austria was ten years ago," says military commander Michael Lippert. And this year's festival is all about a good cause - Licht ins Dunkel. For Managing Director Mario Thaler, it was a challenging year for people in need.

On Maundy Thursday, the military music will play in the middle of St. Pölten's city center.

More information and tickets at musik.bundesheer.at