Salzburg Festival

Now the hardest years follow

As reported, Markus Hinterhäuser has been appointed for a third term as Artistic Director of the Salzburg Festival. "Krone" cultural expert Dr. Karlheinz Roschitz analyzes the decision of the Festival Board of Trustees. 

"It is thanks to him that the Salzburg Festival is where it belongs: at the top of the classical music world": State Secretary for Culture Andrea Mayer congratulated Artistic Director Markus Hinterhäuser, whose contract, which expires in 2026, was - as reported - unanimously extended by the Festival Board of Trustees by five years, until 2031 (although both sides can also terminate the contract on September 30, 2029). Hinterhäuser had long been rumored about his possible departure.

But even ex-President Helga Rabl-Stadler, a companion in the pandemic dispute, a pillar of support during the squabble with the FPÖ over Hinterhäuser's adherence to the engagement of Teodor Currentzis, who is close to Putin, and an advisor during the undiplomatic "Jedermann" affair, tried to re-motivate the sensitive artistic director. With his management concept and his "sensitive programming, in which he combines the traditional and the modern into a total work of art", he distinguished himself confidently alongside seven competitors in the bidding process. Hinterhäuser is Hinterhäuser's logical successor.

After all, he is more at home in the festival business than anyone else and is familiar with the renovation plans, drastic restrictions and unpredictable costs of the coming festival years. "I have to take the audience with me on this journey - and tailor an exciting program," he adds with a laugh. "The toughest years! A suicide mission?"