Hearings in Salzburg

Hinterhäuser remains artistic director of the Festival

Festival mentor Markus Hinterhäuser

(Bild: TOBIAS STEINMAURER / APA / picturedesk.com)

Markus Hinterhäuser will remain artistic director of the Salzburg Festival in the coming years: His contract has been extended by five years until 2031 - the decision of the Board of Trustees was unanimous. 

Markus Hinterhäuser will remain artistic director of the Salzburg Festival for another five years. The 66-year-old clearly prevailed in a hearing before the Festival Board of Trustees on Thursday. Although his contract does not expire until the end of September 2026, the lead times for the 2027 Festival program meant that a new call for tenders was issued at an early stage. Hinterhäuser's contract was extended today until 2031, but there is a mutual termination option on September 30, 2029.

The position of Artistic Director was advertised at the beginning of the year - as is customary internationally - in order to guarantee the Festival planning security, the Salzburg Festival Board of Trustees announced in the evening. "The artistic director has repeatedly been celebrated by audiences and critics worldwide for his extraordinary artistic successes, even under the most difficult conditions, such as during the Covid pandemic," it said in a press release following the decision. The Board of Trustees therefore voted unanimously to extend the contract.

"Markus Hinterhäuser really impressed us with his concept in the hearing and therefore came out on top. His artistic concept, his feeling and skill with regard to the artistic examination of social issues and his courage to keep breaking new ground simply won us over," emphasized Hans Scharfetter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "In addition, Markus Hinterhäuser knows the company extremely well and has been very closely involved in the expansion plans from the outset and is very familiar with the future challenges involved."

In an initial reaction after the contract extension, Hinterhäuser spoke of a great vote of confidence that filled him with joy and pride. "In the coming years, we will face eminent challenges, above all due to the renovation and expansion of the festival halls; our claim to the highest quality will of course remain unaffected."

"Markus Hinterhäuser has had a decisive influence on the Salzburg Festival in recent years and, with his sensitive programming, has managed to combine the traditional and the modern into a Gesamtkunstwerk," emphasized Andrea Mayer (Greens), State Secretary for Art and Culture, in a press release. "It is thanks to him that the Salzburg Festival is where it belongs: at the top of the classical music world. I am delighted that he has applied for a further term of office and wish him all the best for it - also because the Festival is in great need of continuity in its artistic direction in view of the upcoming general refurbishment."

A total of seven men and one woman have applied for the position of Artistic Director of the Salzburg Festival, five of whom were invited to the hearing on Thursday.