When music becomes the voice of resistance: Founded in 1989 by András Schiff, the Mondsee Music Festival invites you to enjoy a week of chamber music of the highest caliber in the picturesque Salzkammergut region at the end of August 2026. The festival combines classical masterpieces with contemporary compositions, dares to tackle bold themes, and also gives young artists a stage to perform in front of an expert audience as part of the Surprise program. In addition, the castle concerts bring lighthearted humor and moments of levity between jazz, cabaret, and entertainment to the historic castle setting.
In 2026, the focus will be on two giants of Russian music history: Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev. Both composed under Stalin's arbitrary rule – public humiliation, censorship, and the threat of reprisals were constant companions. Yet they remained steadfast in their musical language. Their works tell of courage, resistance, and the irrepressible power of creativity. The program is complemented by composers who chose exile, such as Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff, and by a multifaceted repertoire ranging from Bach to Britten.
The music is brought to life by international artists such as Esther Hoppe, Christian Poltéra, Marc Destrubé, Juho Pohjonen, Joseph Lorenz, and the Javus Quartet. Each note reveals not only the beauty of chamber music, but also the drama that these works carry in their historical context. Visitors are immersed in a world where sounds become stories, harmonies become protests, and rhythm becomes emotional power.
The Musiktage Mondsee 2026 promises a week full of sound, emotion, and history—a festival that touches the soul. Here, virtuoso music and human drama merge into an unforgettable experience.
August 28 to September 5, 2026
www.musiktage-mondsee.at
Javus Quartet © Javus Quartet
