When the Haydn Region of Lower Austria kicks off its ninth season in 2026, there will be a common thread running through the nearly 30 concerts: the artistic cosmopolitanism that Joseph and Michael Haydn carried from their native region to the musical centers of Europe. "In 2026, we will continue to focus on special aspects of Viennese Classicism in the Haydn Region of Lower Austria," emphasizes artistic director Dr. Michael Linsbauer. "Its richness is already evident in the season opener, which focuses on the relationships between Mozart and Joseph and Michael Haydn, both musically and discursively."

This programmatic approach characterizes the entire annual program from March 15 to December 13, 2026, which, under the motto "Boundless Classical," once again demonstrates how multifaceted and vibrant Viennese classical music still sounds in the 21st century. The spectrum ranges from chamber music treasures and monumental sacred works to innovative concert formats in historic or unusual venues—a hallmark of the series, which has long enjoyed international renown.
Dr. Linsbauer puts it this way: "Until December, audiences can look forward to chamber music gems, key symphonic works, solo concerts, and monumental sacred works. We are juxtaposing Joseph Haydn's two 'Te Deum' settings with Mozart's 'Requiem' and Handel's 'Alexanderfest' – to make the broad strokes of music history audible."

Dr. Michael Linsbauer, artistic director of the classical concert series "Haydnregion Niederösterreich" © Haydnregion Niederösterreich

Among the eagerly awaited highlights are the literary-musical crime game in Carnuntum, the gala concert "The Power of Music" at Petronell-Carnuntum Castle, and the orchestral experience "Fire & Fantasy" with the Haydn Philharmonic Orchestra in Margarethen am Moos. In addition, there will be numerous prominent guests: international vocalists such as Ildikó Raimondi, Ilker Arcayürek, and Mira Alkhovik; instrumentalists such as Harriet Krijgh, Rémy Ballot, and Andrea Götsch; and top-class ensembles from Barucco to the Beethoven Philharmonic.
At the same time, it remains important to look to the future of classical music. "Promoting young musical talent is a central concern," says Linsbauer. "Children's concerts, school workshops, and the International Haydn Singing Competition create spaces where curiosity and talent can grow." The latter, which will be held in May at Rohrau Castle, is considered a springboard for young singers from all over the world.

Christian Altenburger © Nancy Horowitz

The extraordinary venues also contribute to the special character of the series: castles, sacred spaces, the ancient Roman baths at Carnuntum, or a wine tavern in Göttlesbrunn—places that breathe history and enrich musical experiences on further levels. "Each of these spaces inspires the concerts in its own way," explains Linsbauer. "It is important to us to make music audible where it is rooted: in the heart of the region that shaped Joseph and Michael Haydn."

Church in Bruck an der Leitha © Niklas Schnaubelt

The program is complemented by workshops, children's concerts, and the "Rohrauer Gespräche" (Rohrauer Talks), in which personalities from the worlds of culture, business, and literature explore current topics.
The Haydn Region of Lower Austria thus remains what it has been since its inception: a place of dialogue between history and the present, between international aspirations and regional depth. A place where music does not seem museum-like, but alive, urgent, and ever new. In 2026, this region will celebrate the boundlessness of the classical music that originated here—and which continues to connect people to this day.
March 15 to December 13, 2026
www.haydnregion-noe.at