Art & Culture

Cultural Highlights: 5 Events that are Must-Sees this Summer

From the classical festival season to insider tips: Five recommendations for theatre fans, art lovers, and opera aficionados to enrich the cultural summer in Austria. 

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Majestic settings, strict access restrictions, and cultural delights for the Wanderlust: The cultural summer 2024 in Austria has much to offer. credit: Wiener Opernsommer Belvedere/Jürgen Hammerschmid

Spoiled for Choice: With the start of the Salzburg Festival, the cultural summer 2024 in Austria kicks into high gear. A rich programme entices art and culture enthusiasts from the pool into opera houses and museums. The range spans from contemporary art and photography to classical theatre and opera performances. Given the abundance of offerings, it’s easy to lose track – here are five events you must not miss. 

Vienna Opera Summer Belvedere

The Opera Summer in front of the Belvedere is an absolute highlight of the Austrian cultural summer. The majestic backdrop of Belvedere Palace in Vienna becomes a stage for the first time this year. Don Giovanni, starring Thomas Tatzl in the titular role and Nathalie Peña-Comas as Donna Anna, will be performed. This open-air event combines musical excellence with the historic atmosphere of the palace park, attracting opera lovers from around the world. The unique acoustics and impressive architecture of the Belvedere create an unparalleled atmosphere that is simply enchanting.

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Artistic director Joji Hattori initiated the new cultural project, transforming the Belvedere into an impressive stage. credit: Wiener Opernsommer Belvedere/Jürgen Hammerschmid

Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival is undoubtedly one of the world's leading festivals for classical music and performing arts. With a long tradition dating back to 1920, it offers an impressive programme each year that includes operas, plays, and concerts, far beyond the much-publicised performance of "Everyman." International stars of the classical music scene perform in Salzburg's historic old town, transforming the city into a world-class stage. A special recommendation this year is the five concert programmes of the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, Riccardo Muti, and Gustavo Dudamel, among others.

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Beyond the classic play “Everyman” (this year starring Philipp Hochmair in the lead role), the programme in Salzburg offers numerous highlights. credit: Pexels/Madga Ehlers

Node Contemporary

Node Contemporary gallery is the newest hotspot for lovers of contemporary art and trendsetters in the capital. Currently, the gallery operates with changing locations at Palais Festetics, Berggasse 16, 1090 Vienna, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their works to a broad audience. The current exhibitions include a diverse selection of media, from painting and sculpture to installations. Tickets are available only by appointment on the website and for specific dates – the effort is worthwhile to gain access to the atmospheric events (recently in collaboration with House of Work and The Chapter Club).

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Reflecting the zeitgeist: node contemporary's concept relies on changing locations and a variety of events. the opening exhibition "Mirror Mirror," curated by Walter Hösel, is worth a visit even outside of events. credit: Walter Hösel

Festival La Gacilly-Baden Photo

The La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival is Europe's largest outdoor photo festival, held in the picturesque town of Baden near Vienna. The event transforms the city into a massive open-air gallery showcasing impressive photography. Each year, the festival is dedicated to a different theme and features works by renowned photographers from around the world. The large-format images displayed in the streets and parks of Baden provoke thought and invite visitors on a visual journey celebrating the beauty and diversity of photographic art.

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Photo safari in Baden – the entire spa town becomes an exhibition space during the La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival. credit: Pexels/Fonok

Bregenz Festival

Globally renowned for its spectacular productions on the floating stage on Lake Constance, the Bregenz Festival presents a lavish production of Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto" in summer 2024. The breathtaking lakeside setting, combined with innovative stage designs and top-notch musical performances, promises an unforgettable experience for opera lovers. The programme also includes a series of concerts, theatre performances, and other operas, highlighting the versatility and artistic excellence of this prestigious festival. The Bregenz Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of opera and performing arts set against one of Europe's most beautiful natural backdrops.

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Every Year, the Lake in Bregenz becomes a picturesque natural setting for high culture. credit: Pexel/Wolfgang Weiser

In addition to these main events, the Austrian cultural summer 2024 offers numerous other highlights of high culture. In Vienna, for example, the Jazz Fest Wien features international and local jazz greats on stage. The ImPulsTanz Festival, also in Vienna, provides a platform for contemporary dance and performance art, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. In St. Margarethen, the imposing backdrop of the quarry beckons, while Mörbisch offers a cheerful, light-hearted atmosphere. The most important tip for such a packed programme remains: Focus on enjoying the culture and savour the cultural summer 2024 at a relaxed pace.

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