Austrian Cultural Forum Washington

Enjoy the last days of the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl, the largest and most renowned operetta festival in Austria. As in previous years, the Lehár Festival is a cultural highlight in the beautiful Salzkammergut region that offers its audiences various operetta performances. The festival is named for composer Franz Lehár, who is perhaps best known for his world-famous operetta “The Merry Widow,” and who enjoyed composing in picturesque Bad Ischl. This summer, the festival closes on August 25 with "Der Bettelstudent" (The Beggar Student) by Austrian composer Carl Millöcker.

© Lehár Festival Bad Ischl | Photos: Foto Hofer

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Grundlsee, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024

Lake Grundlsee and its namesake municipality are known for magnificent landscapes as well as customs and traditions celebrated by younger and older generations throughout the year. Life on the shores of the Styrian lake is characterized by beautiful old buildings and farmhouses that give Grundlsee its special flair. First mentioned in 1188, this picturesque place was discovered as the perfect summer resort in the 19th century by a number of artists and is famous for the Daffodil Festival, which takes place every spring in the Ausseerland - Salzkammergut region.

When in town, experience the beautiful surroundings, enjoy the kilometer-long natural beach of the largest lake in Styria and visit the current exhibition “Time Travel – between lived tradition and cliché”, which focuses on historical photographs of the Salzkammergut region and their reinterpretation by international contemporary photo artists.

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Traunkirchen, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Traunkirchen is located on another beautiful lake in Salzkammergut called Lake Traunsee. If you have a chance, try one of the hiking trails up to the Geisswand peak to experience some impressive views. We also love the Johannesberg Chapel, thought to have been built in the 14th century. Traunkirchen is also home to the International Academy Traunkirchen, founded by the Austrian Nobel laureate and quantum scientist, Anton Zeilinger.

There are two current exhibitions taking place in Traunkirchen as part of Salzkammergut 2024. The first is “Memories from the Future”, an animated virtual sculpture experience by artist Eva Schlegel. The second is the perfect mix of art and nature with a tour of the exhibition at Villa Pantschoulidzeff and a boat trip across Traunsee to the quarry at Karbach.

Experience the varied film program and incredible atmosphere of Film Festival auf dem Wiener Rathausplatz until September 1 (free admission). The Film Festival in front of Vienna’s city hall has been a trademark of the federal capital for more than 30 years. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world visit this popular event every year to enjoy top film productions from all genres of music, delicious cuisine and the charming Viennese flair in this unique setting.

Learn more about the film festival program here:
https://filmfestival-rathausplatz.at/en/programm/

© Österreich Werbung, Julius Silver

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Obertraun, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Obertraun may not be as well-known as Hallstatt, but it sits on the same lake and has plenty to offer in terms of swimming, incredible hiking opportunities and gorgeous views. We recommend trying to make it up to the 5 Fingers Viewing Platform to see the breathtaking views from the summit of Dachstein Krippenstein. No need to fear—it is also possible to take a cable car to the top, if you are not an avid hiker.

As part of Salzkammergut 2024, the art exhibition “A life for art: A PORTRAIT OF THE WRITER HANSJÖRG ZAUNER BY JUDITH ZILLICH”, opened on August 7 in Obertraun and will run until September 5. Zauner was a writer and visual artist from Obertraun who served as a model for Judith Zillich for ten years. The exhibition will feature their collaborative works, as well as a short film by Zauner where he reflects on his poetry.

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Bad Aussee, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Bad Aussee is a picturesque spa town that is both a winter and summer destination for visitors from all over the world. It is located on the banks of the River Traun and is surrounded by a number of gorgeous nearby lakes, including Lake Altaussee and Lake Grundlsee.

It is well known for its Daffodil Festival every spring, as well as its traditional local dress (Tracht) that are regularly worn by the inhabitants there. The town is also an excellent place to find Austrian handicrafts from regional artisans.

Each August the Congress House of Bad Aussee hosts the Association of the Vienna State Opera Ballet, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the dancers taking the stage. The folks music group Ausseer Bradlmusi will also participate, along with the large string orchestra of the Bürgermusikkapelle Bad Aussee.



© Kur- & Congresshaus Bad Aussee, Jakob Grill

30 YEARS OF THEATERFEST NIEDERÖSTERREICH | SUMMER 2024

The Theater Festival Lower Austria takes place every summer at multiple locations in Lower Austria and offers its audience a varied program. Enjoy 30 plays, musicals, operas, operettas and music revues at 21 different places to celebrate 30 years of Theaterfest Niederösterreich this year.

© Theaterfest Niederösterreich

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, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024

Nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut region, Gosau is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque village is the perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're hiking through the majestic Dachstein mountains, exploring the serene Gosauseen lakes, or immersing yourself in local culture, Gosau offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

This summer, Gosau invites you to experience "Windows and Mosaic of Leaves" at the Kalvarienbergkirche. In this thought-provoking exhibition, the artist Grace Ellen Barkey meditates on nature and its transience. Through a blend of visual art and nature, this project aims to heighten our perception and to evoke a deep connection with our environment.

15 YEARS OF POPFEST WIEN

Enjoy the Austrian pop scene and free admission at Popfest Wien from July 25 to 28, 2024. The Pop Festival Vienna will take place on and around Karlsplatz, where numerous bands will be playing to celebrate 15 years of pop culture and music.

© Popfest Wien, Franz Reiterer

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2024 | GET TO KNOW…

Hallstatt, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Hallstatt is a small market town that is very much characterized by its salt production, which has been taking place in Hallstatt's salt mountain, the Plassen, for thousands of years. With its positive business results, the SALZWELTEN (salt worlds), the local tourism company, contributes significantly to the fact that the alpine, very cost-intensive salt production still exists in Austria. This also applies to the financing of archaeological research in the Hallstatt Salt Mine.

Picturesque barely does it justice. Towering Alpine hills descend into the blue lake waters, with an adorable village nestled in between. The first reveal of the village center couldn’t have been better had it been planned by Disney. The iconic church is at one end, while beautiful buildings ring a cobblestoned Marktplatz (marketplace). You can explore the shops here, as well as climb the stairs for a view from the other church.

When in town, visit the SALZWELTEN to learn more about the history and culture of the region and the world’s oldest salt mines, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take a boat tour on the magnificent Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt).

SALZBURGER FESTSPIELE | JULY 19 – AUGUST 31, 2024

Famous as a cultural landmark of Austria and one of the world’s most important festivals for opera, music and drama, the Salzburg Festival is known for its annual performance of Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s play “Jedermann” (Everyman) as well as its wide-ranging cultural program, which is enjoyed by high-ranking politicians and celebrities every year.

Today, we celebrate the opening of the Salzburger Festspiele | Salzburg Festival 2024. If you are in Austria, plan to attend one of the many cultural events of the Salzburg Festival and book your tickets as soon as possible since many of them are sold out months in advance.

Learn more about the full festival program here: https://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/en/tickets/calendar

© SF / Monika Rittershaus (Photo 1-3) / Marco Borrelli (Photo 4-6) / Kolarik (Photo 7)
© TSG / Breitegger (Photo 8-9)

BREGENZER FESTSPIELE | JULY 17 – AUGUST 18, 2024

Known for the world’s largest floating stage built in epic proportions on Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Austria, the Bregenz Festival hosts a variety of operas, operettas, theater plays and concerts every year.

Today, the first German Romantic opera “Der Freischütz” (The Marksman) by Carl Maria von Weber opens the Bregenzer Festspiele 2024. The festival is one of the cultural highlights in Austria and is attended by high-ranking politicians and celebrities every year. If you are in the area, plan to go to one of the many events and book your tickets as soon as possible since many performances are sold out months in advance.

Learn more about the full festival program here: https://bregenzerfestspiele.com/en/tickets/schedule

© Bregenzer Festspiele, Anja Köhler (Photo 1, 4, 5)
© Bregenzer Festspiele, Daniel Ammann (Photo 2, 3)

REMINDER | CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

12th International Chamber Music Competition: Franz Schubert and Modern Music 2025

Application period: July 1 – September 24, 2024
Age limit: Applicants must have been born after February 15, 1989
Prize money in total: € 74,000 plus career consultancy for first prize winners

This triennial chamber music competition is held in three categories: LIED (evaluated as a duo) and PIANO TRIO and this time also PIANO DUO as a new category. The artistic board consists of Joseph Breinl, Chia Chou and Sivan-Silver-Garburg & Gil Garburg under the chair of Rector Georg Schulz.

An essential and internationally unique element of this competition is to compare contemporary music with the works of Schubert on an equal footing and equal value. The challenge of seriously dealing with modernity is an important incentive for young musicians to connect to today. Top-class and internationally recognized jurors face this ambitious challenge and, with their qualified feedback, contribute to making this competition a significant milestone in the artistic development of the participants.

Learn more via Franz Schubert and Modern Music and this link: https://schubert.kug.ac.at/en/

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2024 | GET TO KNOW…

Gmunden, another member of the 23 municipalities that are joining forces to form the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Gmunden is a beautiful town of 17,000 inhabitants located on the majestic Traunsee, the deepest lake in Austria. It is known as a popular summer resort and artists’ hot spot as well as home of the world-famous Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur.

When in town, visit the idyllic lake castle Schloss Ort, enjoy delicious desserts at one of the many cafés, take a boat tour on the beautiful lake, or attend one of numerous cultural events part of Salzkammergut Festwochen Gmunden, Gmunden.photo and the Musical Frühling in Gmunden.

Join leading experts in informatics, social sciences, and humanities to collaborate on pressing issues of digital politics, economy, and technology at the 3rd ACM Europe Digital Humanism Summer School, which will take place from September 2 to 6, 2024 at TU Wien - Vienna University of Technology, Austria.

A limited number of scholarships, including registration fee waivers and full scholarships, are available and awarded on the basis of merit and financial need. Furthermore, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) will provide free 1-year memberships for all students attending the summer school. The application deadline was just extended for 2 weeks—so take this great opportunity and apply by July 28, 2024.

Learn more here: https://caiml.org/dighum/summerschool2024/

© TU Wien, Photo: Matthias Heisler

IMPULSTANZ – Vienna International Dance Festival | JULY 11 - AUGUST 11, 2024

Founded in 1984, ImPulsTanz - Vienna International Dance Festival has evolved into one of the largest festivals for contemporary dance and performance in the world. Every summer it presents a uniquely diverse program of performances, workshops, research projects and musical acts by international and Austrian artists in different theaters and museums in Vienna.

Today, the festival opening takes place at MAK - Museum of Applied Arts with the American choreographer and installation artist William Forsythe’s “Choreographic Objects” and a DJ set by Lucia Kagramanyan (NTS Radio).

Learn more about the full festival program here: https://www.impulstanz.com/en/calendar/performances

© ImPulsTanz

STYRIA-ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE-Scholarship | Application deadline: August 15, 2024

The Regional Government of Styria allocates scholarships for young emerging artists for the year 2025. These scholarships are available to international artists from all fields as well as art theorists. The scholarship includes a monthly payment of EUR 1,100 as well as accommodation in the centre of Graz. The scholarship requires the presence of the artists/theorists.

Learn more here: https://www.kultur.steiermark.at/cms/beitrag/12950901/150747600/

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2024 | GET TO KNOW BAD ISCHL

As announced yesterday, we would like to introduce you to BadIschl.at, the banner-city of the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024.

Bad Ischl is a spa resort, a congress and commercial center full of beautiful parks and flower gardens with about 15,000 inhabitants. During the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, it was the favorite summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Sisi. When in town, visit the former imperial residence Kaiservilla, enjoy the delicious Zaunerstollen at the café and patisserie Konditorei Kaffee Zauner Bad Ischl and learn about the history of Bad Ischler salt, which has been harvested from the Austrian alps for over 7,000 years.

Cultural highlights include the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl during the summer, which is the largest and most renowned operetta festival in Austria, the Imperial Days, known as Kaisertage, around August 18 to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph I with numerous festivities, and the magical Advent and Christmas time in Bad Ischl.

Have you ever visited the Salzkammergut or Bad Ischl? Let us know in the comments.

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2024 | GET TO KNOW BAD ISCHL – SALZKAMMERGUT

The European Capitals of Culture initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of European art and culture. For the first time, 23 municipalities are joining forces to form a Capital of Culture in 2024: Salzkammergut 2024.

Over the upcoming weeks, we would like to present to you the history, art and culture of each of the 23 municipalities in this beautiful region full of majestic alpine mountains and picturesque, deep-blue lakes.

We will start our series with a post about Bad Ischl tomorrow.

16th SCL FESTIVAL | VIENNA | JULY 5 – 10, 2024

The Summa Cum Laude (SCL) International Youth Music Festival gathers young talents from all over the world in Vienna, the capital of music. The young musicians get the chance to perform in some of the main classical concert venues like the Golden Hall in the Musikverein Wien and the Wiener Konzerthaus. It is a truly international affair where thousands of young musicians speak the universal language of music, enjoy intercultural exchanges and build bridges that span continents.

In 2024, the Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival takes place from July 5 to 10 and hosts several young musicians from the United States: Siskiyou Violins, Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra, Guam Territorial Band, Musicall Youth Orchestra of Miami, and Philadelphia Girls Choir.

© SCL Festival / Henri Manzano

HAPPY BIRTHDAY | FRANZ KAFKA

The Kafka Year 2024 marks the centenary of the death of the famous writer Franz Kafka, who was born on July 3, 1883.

Kafka is internationally regarded as one of the major novelists and writers of the 20th-century. His work fuses elements of realism and the fantastic. The term “Kafkaesque” describes absurd situations like those depicted in his writing.

SECESSION | SUSANA PILAR DELAHANTE MATIENZO | ACHIEVEMENT | JUNE 21 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

The golden leaves of the secession dome changed colors! As part of an installation by the Cuban artist Susana Pilar Delahante Matienzo the leaves appear black.

An intervention into the architecture of the dome, the first in many years, radically altered the Secession’s appearance for one week in honor of Black women. Inspired by the Bantu knots, a traditional hairstyle originated by the Zulu in South Africa, which is over 100 years old, Delahante Matienzo’s project transformed the golden dome into a black one: Bantu knots adorned the dome’s ca. 2,500 leaves.

For her exhibition Achievement at the Vienna Secession, Susana Pilar Delahante Matienzo has developed a new installation, a performance, and an intervention into the building. All three works articulate feminist, antiracist, and anti-colonial counter-visions, turning the spotlight on the achievements of Black women and championing a form of healing.

© Secession, Photos: Oliver Ottenschläger

EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE

The Simon Wiesenthal Prize, which has been awarded by the National Fund on the initiative of Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka since 2020, is endowed with a total of 30,000 euros and is awarded in the categories "civil society engagement against antisemitism" and "civil society engagement for education about the Holocaust". In addition, a main prize is awarded for special civil society commitment against antisemitism and/or for education about the Holocaust.

The prize can be awarded to individuals or groups. School projects and initiatives by civil society associations and institutions can also be honored.

Applications for the Simon Wiesenthal Prize 2024 are open until July 31, 2024.

Learn more here: https://www.wiesenthalpreis.at/application-form

THANK YOU | HEIKE KALTENBRUNNER | SOUND SCENE 2024: SOLSTICE | STATE OF THE ARTS NIGHT

Many thanks to Heike Kaltenbrunner, SoundScene, European Union in the United States, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for an unforgettable sound experience this past weekend! It was great to see thousands of people joining and enjoying this year’s State of the Arts Night & Sound Scene 2024: Solstice. We were happy to support the Austrian sound artist Heike Kaltenbrunner, whose sound installation close| distant was a big hit with the audience.

We are looking forward to Sound Scene 2025!

© Austrian Cultural Forum DC

REMINDER | HEIKE KALTENBRUNNER | SOUND SCENE 2024: SOLSTICE | STATE OF THE ARTS NIGHT

WHEN? June 22-23, 2024
WHERE? Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Join the Austrian sound artist Heike Kaltenbrunner and SoundScene for an unforgettable sound experience at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on Saturday and Sunday! Check out the photos above of the installation at a previous show to get a preview of what to expect.

Also, enjoy a one-night-only evening of cross-cultural inspiration when artists from the European Union in the United States will come together with Sound Scene artists during the State of the Arts Night X Sound Scene on Saturday, June 22 from 5:00PM until 11:00PM (registration recommended).

Learn more here:
https://www.soundscene.org/
https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/state-of-the-arts-night-x-sound-scene/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0QQEkbGKxnmKy33biQeUnvT9PMz_cIubGaGGZxTC4SdlhVCiV22TRrv_k_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

© Heike Kaltenbrunner
© Lisbeth Kovacic

THANK YOU | EUROASIA SHORTS 2024

Many thanks to all the EuroAsia Shorts (EAS) Film Festival 2024 partners for a great collaboration! It is always a pleasure to present films from so many different countries and cultures. 🎬

We enjoyed hosting the EAS 2024 Closing Night at the Embassy of Austria last Friday and welcoming guests from around the world. This wonderful evening would not have been possible without the help of so many colleagues from Alliance Française de Washington DC, Goethe-Institut Washington, Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. - USA, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Washington, Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., and SPAIN arts & culture.

Special thanks to our 2024 paired partner Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan for hosting Japan & Austria Night last Thursday!

The Austrian short films “Issues with my Other Half”, “Nelly’s Story”, and “Visiting Johanna (Der Besuch)“ were very well received and offered the audience a taste of the Austrian film scene.

© Austrian Cultural Forum DC

WELCOME | HEIKE KALTENBRUNNER

The Austrian sound artist Heike Kaltenbrunner and her sound installation have arrived safely in Washington D.C. The preparations are in full swing. We are excited for her presentation at SoundScene this weekend. Join her in the Auditorium of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on Saturday and Sunday.

Also, enjoy a one-night-only evening of cross-cultural inspiration when artists from the European Union in the United States will come together with Sound Scene artists during the State of the Arts Night X Sound Scene on Saturday, June 22 from 5:00PM until 11:00PM (registration recommended).

Learn more here:
https://www.soundscene.org/
https://hirshhorn.si.edu/event/state-of-the-arts-night-x-sound-scene/

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT | HEIKE KALTENBRUNNER | SOUND SCENE 2024: SOLSTICE | STATE OF THE ARTS NIGHT

WHEN? June 22-23, 2024
WHERE? Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Join us for an unforgettable sound experience at SoundScene featuring the Austrian sound artist Heike Kaltenbrunner!

Sound Scene returns to the Hirshhorn Museum with the theme Solstice, and 50 artists from around the globe to celebrate sound through multi-sensory art installations. What does balance sound like? What is illuminated by sunlight? What finds peace in darkness? This annual sound art festival features interactive artworks, live performances and small group workshops. Also, enjoy a one-night-only evening of cross-cultural inspiration when artists from the European Union will come together with Sound Scene artists during the State of the Arts Night X Sound Scene on Saturday, June 22 from 5:00PM until 11:00PM (registration recommended).

We are proud to support Heike Kaltenbrunner, who presents her sound installation close| distant. This walk-in installation is based on the sound instrument Proximity Organ, which is a combination of pipe organ and theremin. The pipes act as sound generators as well as proximity sensors, they create a variety of sounds and noises when visitors get closer and with changing air flow. Also, participants will be guided by Kaltenbrunner to create soft tones, hums and hisses to orchestrate an original and collaborative soundscape in a workshop.

Learn more here: https://soundscenefest.org/2024-festival/

The Simon Wiesenthal Prize, which has been awarded by the National Fund on the initiative of Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka since 2020, is endowed with a total of 30,000 euros and is awarded in the categories "civil society engagement against antisemitism" and "civil society engagement for education about the Holocaust". In addition, a main prize is awarded for special civil society commitment against antisemitism and/or for education about the Holocaust.

The prize can be awarded to individuals or groups. School projects and initiatives by civil society associations and institutions can also be honored.

Applications for the Simon Wiesenthal Prize 2024 are open until June 30, 2024.

Learn more here: https://www.wiesenthalpreis.at/application-form