Schweeger counters

Hubert von Goisern criticizes the Capital of Culture

Hubert von Goisern and Elisabeth Schweeger - very harmonious for a long time.(Bild: Pia Fronia/Kulturhauptstadt)

The annual Hubert von Goisern Culture Prize was awarded in Bad Ischl on Saturday. The alpine rocker uses the award to support musicians who go their own way, as we reported. At the ceremony, there was a scandal between Hubert von Goisern and Elisabeth Schweeger, Director of the Capital of Culture - who now countered in the "Krone".

In the run-up to this year's award ceremony, a jury decided on three winners: Paul Plut, composer, musician and lyricist from Ramsau am Dachstein, Ulrich Schleicher, a Viennese composer and Anna Buchegger, a native of Salzburg, will each receive 5000 euros, as we reported.

War of words at the ceremony
However, according to ORF Upper Austria, there was a brief incident at the award ceremony in the Lehár Theater in Bad Ischl. Hubert von Goisern, always on fire for the Capital of Culture, criticized the organization. He complained several times about the state of the Lehár Theater and also that his award ceremony had received too little support.

Director Elisabeth Schweeger reacted so strongly that she left the auditorium, but then returned for a photo shoot.

Schweeger counters in the "Krone"
However, when asked by the Krone, Schweeger clarified the facts, saying: "The cultural award ceremony was a private event for Hubert von Goisern and not an event organized by the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024." 

For the event, the Lehár Theater, which is about to be renovated, was "voluntarily equipped with spotlights, sound technology and seating" by the Capital of Culture.

Incidentally, her return to the auditorium was met with applause from the audience.

Next highlight in Bad Ischl
From June 12, the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei will be presenting his typical zodiac signs in the Imperial Park and will also be bridging the gap between China and Hallstatt culture with his works. The imperial villa, the Sisi marble palace and the stables will be used for performances.