Emotional kick-off

Starting signal for an unforgettable “Star Night”

ORF Head of Entertainment Florian Ilich, Head of Tourism Didi Tunkel, Mayor Bettina Zentgraf, Head of ORF Werner Herics, organizer Martin Remusch from ipmedia and Mörbisch General Alfons Haider are already looking forward to it.(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

The successful "Starnacht" format is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Despite inflation, no expense or effort is spared for the music spectacle in Mörbisch. The state covers a fifth of the budget. An investment that pays off. 

The "Star Night on Lake Neusiedl" is an important calling card for tourism in Burgenland. After all, the show, which is also broadcast on ORF, reaches an audience of millions every year and attracts countless guests to Mörbisch and the surrounding area. Total advertising value for the province: 1.9 million euros! "The appeal of the Strahlkraft format extends beyond Austria's borders, inspires people of all ages and contributes significantly to the added value of our region," emphasizes Didi Tunkel, Head of Tourism. 

Lots of stars
To ensure that the dress rehearsal on May 31 and the official show on June 1 are a resounding success, real superstars have been hired this year - including Italo bard Al Bano ("Felicità"), Germany's pop queen Maite Kelly ("Einfach Hello"), hitmaker Albert Hammond ("It never rains in Southern California"), rock star Marina Marx ("One Night Stand"), Dutch country singer Ilse DeLange ("Changes") and Gregor Meyle ("Gleichgewicht"). Also on the bill are the Austro-poppers "Alle Achtung" ("Marie") and moody Nik P. ("Geboren um dich zu lieben").

Loyal guarantee of success 
The 62-year-old Salzburger-by-choice will present his new album "Was wirklich zählt" on the Seebühne, which depicts the most diverse facets of life. The first single will be released on Friday and is called "Mein Himmel bist du".

Half-Burgenland native Nik P. in the "Krone" interview.(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

Closing the circle
The fact that Nik P. is so looking forward to his return to Burgenland is not only due to the fact that he was part of the "Starnacht am Neusiedler See" from the very beginning, but also because of his Pannonian roots: "My grandparents were from Eisenstadt, my mother grew up in Oberwart. During the Second World War, she and her family fled to Carinthia out of fear of the Russian occupiers. The funny thing is that she fell in love with a Russian there years later, my father Nikolai. That's how life works!" Was their marriage happy? "And how! Otherwise they wouldn't have had five children!"

They also dance!
This also impresses Alfons Haider, General Director of the Mörbisch Lake Festival. He is not only looking forward to lively hits and evergreens, but also to his "youthful successor" Hans Sigl and "a banter with Barbara Schönberger", with whom he himself led the show for many years: "Our show act from the successful musical 'Mamma Mia' is certainly a highlight." A party atmosphere is guaranteed!