A summer fairy tale in Burgenland
The 2025 Burgenland Festival Summer promises to be a true spectacle that will make the hearts of music and culture fans beat faster. With its unique combination of opera and musical, the region attracts visitors from all over the world. But what goes on behind the scenes of these impressive productions? A look at the details reveals the magic inherent in every performance.
Simon Rattle: Master of Sounds
The ORF "matinee" on August 10, 2025, puts the world-famous conductor Sir Simon Rattle in the spotlight. On the occasion of his 70th birthday, the documentary "Simon Rattle – The Joy of Conducting" takes a deep look into the life and work of one of the most significant conductors of our time. Rattle, who has been chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra since 2023/2024, is considered an exceptional talent who revolutionized the music scene.
"Conducting is a lonely profession," explains Rattle, "because you cannot create sound alone." Yet his ability to shape an orchestra into a single unit is unique. In the documentary by Benedikt Schulte, viewers travel with Rattle to Berlin, London, and Munich and experience how he makes music with his orchestra. His approach that "the journey is more important than the arrival" is reflected in his work. He is not just a conductor, but a mentor for the next generation of musicians.
Ghost ship and disco fever: A cultural contrast
In Burgenland, two worlds collide this summer: opera and musical. The "Seefestspiele Mörbisch" offers a tribute to the disco era of the 1970s with "Saturday Night Fever," while the "Opera in the Quarry" in St. Margarethen promises a dramatic opera experience with Richard Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman."
"Saturday Night Fever" tells the story of Tony Manero, a young man from Brooklyn who dreams of a better life. The music of the Bee Gees will have the audience in Mörbisch dancing. Fabio Diso and Paul Csitkovics follow in the footsteps of John Travolta, who became famous in Hollywood with this role.
Just ten kilometres away, against the impressive backdrop of the Römersteinbruch quarry, the opera 'The Flying Dutchman' is staged. Viennese director Philipp M. Krenn uses the natural rock landscape to bring the story of the eternal seafarer to life. The opera, performed for the first time in St. Margarethen, combines an intimate exploration of the soul with a powerful musical experience.
Historical influences and regional characteristics
Burgenland has a long tradition as a cultural hotspot. The Seefestspiele Mörbisch have been an established part of the Austrian cultural scene since 1957 and attract thousands of visitors each year. The opera in the St. Margarethen quarry, known for its impressive sets, has offered a unique operatic experience since 1996.
The region is not only a cultural highlight but also a culinary one. The ORF series 'The Taste of Europe' shows that Burgenland is also known for its fine cuisine. Visitors can enjoy regional dishes while immersing themselves in the world of music.
The impact on the local population
The festivals have not only cultural but also economic effects on the region. Hotels and restaurants benefit from the numerous visitors who travel in for the performances. The local population is proud of the international productions that attract new visitors every year.
'The festivals are an important economic factor for Burgenland,' explains cultural scholar Dr. Hans Mayer. 'They create jobs and promote tourism in the region.'
Outlook: A festival with a future
The future of the festival looks promising. With innovative productions and a broad range of performances, Burgenland will remain an attraction for culture enthusiasts in the years to come. The combination of tradition and modernity makes the festival unique.
"We are constantly working to expand our program and reach new audiences," says artistic director Maria Huber. "Our goal is to establish Burgenland as a leading cultural center in Europe."
With stars like Simon Rattle and breathtaking productions such as 'The Flying Dutchman' and 'Saturday Night Fever', the Burgenland festival summer of 2025 will surely go down in history as one of the highlights.
