Festival. Hohe Tauern.
About the festival.
Musical diversity and enjoyment in the Oberpinzgau cultural region
The Hohe Tauern Festival - Oberpinzgau Cultural Area is a project close to our hearts that combines the uniqueness of nature and culture in our region. Here, culture is not only understood in the classical sense, but also as a living tradition that is deeply rooted in the living and cultural space of the Oberpinzgau and has been cultivated by the people of this region for centuries.
The Oberpinzgau region is not only characterized by its breathtaking high mountain landscape, but also by a rich cultural tradition, which is reflected in a lively music and customs culture. This festival aims to honor this tradition as well as classical music at the highest international level. The diversity of musical forms of expression will be showcased in the festival's various projects and concerts.
A central concern of the festival is to break down the fears of both musicians and audiences. High culture is taken out of its niche and traditional music is given space beyond the usual clichés. In this way, the festival is firmly anchored in the region and creates an authentic cultural experience that highlights the special features of the Oberpinzgau region.
"The Hohe Tauern Festival has become an event that has become an integral part of Salzburg's annual cultural calendar. The cultural diversity of the festival shows how well the combination of classical and folk genres works in our province. This unique format should continue to inspire people to enjoy different forms of culture in the future. As the responsible cultural officer, I am particularly pleased about this."
Stefan Schnöll Mag.,
Deputy Governor
"As the new mayor of our municipality, culture is particularly close to my heart. It is not only an expression of our identity and tradition, but also enriches our community life in many ways. Culture opens doors, broadens our horizons and creates connections between people. I am therefore delighted that we will be able to experience another edition of the Hohe Tauern Festival in 2024 - an event that promises musical diversity and enjoyment at the highest level, and I wish us all unforgettable moments full of harmony and enthusiasm."
Thomas Ellmauer,
Mayor
"The Hohe Tauern Festival is a project of the heart, created by and for the people of the region. It is aimed at a broad audience, including those who have never had the opportunity to attend a classical concert. The aim is to offer a natural and authentic musical experience that demonstrates the inseparable link between nature and music. We attach particular importance to uncovering the roots of folk music in classical music and encouraging artists from different genres to make music together."
Martin Pichl,
Intendant
"As a young musician, I experienced for myself how enriching the interaction between folk music and classical music can be for my own playing. Both genres are deeply rooted in our culture and inspire each other in a unique way. The Hohe Tauern Festival is a place where this dialog takes place naturally. I am particularly pleased that we can also present folk music from Argentina this year. Other countries are sure to follow, and I look forward to experiencing and discovering the diversity of musical traditions together with you."
Rubén Dubrovsky
Artistic Director
Not only every year in the fall, but also during the year the Hohe Tauern Festival organizes concerts at the highest artistic level with a local connection as well as master classes to promote young talent. Starting from Mittersill as the "home base", events are held throughout the Oberpinzgau region, in particularly striking but also unusual locations: in castles and palaces in the region, museums, churches, mines, but also in special places in the great outdoors.
In 2023, the Hohe Tauern Festival had the programmatic theme "Home and abroad. On mule tracks." and invites you to take a fascinating journey into the history, culture and nature of this breathtaking region. This theme opens up a wide range of opportunities to explore the unique connection between home and abroad, and not just musically in the Hohe Tauern.
The majestic peaks of the Hohe Tauern are not only a geographical landmark, but also a symbol of the home of many people who live in this region. At the same time, however, they are also a place of foreignness for visitors from all over the world who come here to experience the beauty and uniqueness of this mountain landscape. This fascinating contrast between the familiar and the unfamiliar, which is also addressed in the festival's musical performances, forms the heart of the festival.
During the short festival week from October 11 to 15, guests and locals alike had the opportunity to wander along historical and musical mule tracks that were once the lifelines of this region. These paths were not only used for trade, but also for the exchange of cultures and ideas between the various peoples who lived here and were temporarily abroad.
The festival motto "Home and abroad. On mule tracks." was also an invitation to explore the cultural diversity of the region. In the traditional villages of the Hohe Tauern, visitors could experience the hospitality of the locals and still feel at home in a foreign place. The local cuisine, music, art and customs of the region took center stage during the festival to offer visitors an authentic experience.
