Between Wagner, Mozart and Haydn – the Easter cultural highlight in Salzburg in 2026

The Salzburg Easter Festival was founded in 1967 by Herbert von Karajan as a complement to the Summer Festival with the Berlin Philharmonic as its resident orchestra. Since 2013, the role of resident orchestra has alternated between various major orchestras such as the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. In 2026, the Easter Festival will return to its musical roots. The Berlin Philharmonic will return under the musical direction of Kirill Petrenko. The focus will be on Wagner’s Das Rheingold, staged by Kirill Serebrennikov, with Christian Gerhaher in one of the leading roles.

In addition to classical works by Haydn, Brahms, Mahler, Bruch, Mozart and Berlioz, the festival has been expanding its repertoire to include electronic music and dance since 2023. One highlight is the Planet WANDERER project by Damien Jalet & Kohei Nawa.

Chamber concerts with titles such as ‘Between Crisis and Awakening’ and ‘Farewell to the Beautiful World’ as well as two late-night concerts round off the programme. With renowned ensembles such as the Bavarian Radio Choir and the Berlin Radio Choir, the festival promises musical enjoyment of the highest standard. (sb)

Salzburg Easter Festival 2026, 27 March to 6 April 2026

Date/Time
Fri, 27.3.26 - Mon, 6.4.26