Festival in the fall

Eight venues wanted for the Linz Bruckner Festival

The 12 cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra are regarded as an exceptional ensemble and will be performing in Linz

(Bild: uwe arens nutzung immer mit autorennennung und nur nach absprache)

After last year's scandals, things are looking up again at the Brucknerhaus in Linz. Johanna Möslinger, interim director, has put the Brucknerfest, which will take place from September 4 to October 11, partly on a new footing. Under the motto "Open your eyes, music!" 32 concerts and events, for eight of which she is looking for (unusual) venues in the middle of the city.

Last year, the LIVA (Linzer Veranstaltungsgesellschaft) scandal had the Linz Brucknerhaus firmly in its grip. In mid-November, concert manager Johanna Möslinger took over the artistic direction on an interim basis, as we reported. Incidentally, she has applied for the management of LIVA. The selection process is currently underway with a total of 58 applications for a dual leadership position.

The program for the International Bruckner Festival 2025 was already ready to go to press. "Nevertheless, we turned a lot of things around again," she says.

One thing is now certain: the festival will take place from September 4 to October 11. And: "It should be felt in many ways in the city." This is not just a vision, but a reorientation of a cultural event that has been around since 1977.

Concert nights with experiences
Meinhard Lukas, Chairman of the LIVA Supervisory Board, specifies three key points for the future: "Effectiveness in the city, cooperation and synergies, and social relevance."

This is not a return to the start - there will still be important concerts at the festival and throughout the year in the Brucknerhaus. But the "aim is to open up", as Möslinger emphasizes. And the festival is moving closer together with Ars Electronica and the Landestheater. Dennis Russell Davis and his Filharmonie Brno will be performing the opera jewel "The Emperor of Atlantis" by Terezín composer Viktor Ullmann at the Great Concert Night (5 September), with director of drama David Bösch staging a visualization, all of which will once again be performed in the Gleishalle at Postcity.

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Unusual locations are sought
The Brucknerfest 2025 is also cooperating with Moviemento, ORF Landesstudio and the Mariendom. And of course with the Bruckner Orchestra, which is starting its Beethoven cycle with the Classical Sound Cloud (7. 9.). This will be reorganized. As in its first years, it will be broadcast as an open-air concert in the Donaupark.

"There will also be eight events at the Brucknerfest at hidden festival venues," says Möslinger. "The people of Linz are cordially invited to make suggestions."

First details of the big sound cloud
Concert highlight: The 12 cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra are currently regarded as one of the best ensembles and are coming to Linz. Actors such as Birgit Minichmayr and Juergen Maurer will also be making guest appearances at the Brucknerfest.

Sound cloud on the Danube
The visualized Klangwolke, the most popular crowd-puller, takes place on Saturday, 6 September. Mega performances in the Danube area and a light show are fixed. There will also be projects to take part in in the run-up to the event. The Landestheater Linz will also be involved for the first time. The director and the story will be presented separately in the coming weeks.

There will be no increases in ticket prices. The "ticket prices are kept in the tradition of the Brucknerfest", emphasizes Möslinger. Early Bird tickets are available for the first time (until February 28). It's worth browsing through the Linz Brucknerfest program now!