Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival is a world-renowned celebration of music and drama held annually in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Established in 1920, this festival has become integral to the cultural landscape, featuring performances of plays such as Hugo von Hofmannsthal's "Jedermann" and a strong focus on operas, particularly the works of Mozart and Strauss.

The festival faced significant challenges during World War II when Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, but it made a swift recovery in the post-war years. Following World War II, the Salzburg Festival reestablished its reputation, emerging as a premier summer opera festival. Its repertoire expanded to include works by various composers, thanks to influential figures like Herbert von Karajan and Gerard Mortier, who modernized and diversified the festival’s offerings.

In the 21st century, the festival continues to evolve under the guidance of different leaders, consistently presenting new productions and a wide array of operas and concerts. Its economic impact is substantial, generating revenue, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy.

Additionally, since 1973, the Salzburg Whitsun Festival has offered a shorter concert series managed by the main festival, featuring a diverse range of musical performances and events.