Grafenegg Festival: Festival Opening at Schloss Grafenegg
About the Event
Is this still a classical concert? Perhaps it's also jazz! In 1925, George Gershwin, after the success of his "Rhapsody in Blue," was commissioned to write a piano concerto in a more traditional style. This marked his entry into the ranks of America's most important composers. The Concerto in F, one of the key works of the 20th century, will open the Grafenegg Festival with Artistic Director Rudolf Buchbinder on the piano, the Tonkunstler Orchestra, and Music Director Yutaka Sado on the podium. It promises to dazzle the audience at Wolkenturm.
Equally exciting is the opportunity to hear Arnold Schoenberg's "Pelleas and Melisande," a large orchestral work by the avant‐garde composer, for the first time at Grafenegg. This symphonic poem, with its impressive atmospheric and natural imagery, follows in the tradition of Richard Strauss' monumental "Alpine Symphony" in terms of instrumentation and passionate adherence to late Romantic tonal opulence. Today, Schoenberg's Opus 5 is one of the most frequently performed works by this future twelve‐tone composer and adds a poignant tragedy of forbidden love to the program.
Schloss Grafenegg, known for its unique atmosphere, has been hosting events for over 30 years. Its cultural program attracts thousands of visitors annually, with Advent in Grafenegg becoming a beloved fixture in Lower Austria. Building on this rich history, the estate is embarking on an ambitious cultural project to establish itself as a truly exceptional international cultural center. Plans include the creation of an open‐air stage and a new concert hall, providing the necessary space for Schloss Grafenegg to further expand its cultural offerings.
Practical Information
For clients who have booked inclusive bus transfer:
Departure Vienna Musikverein, corner Bösendorferstraße/Canovagasse: 120 minutes before the concert begins
Return from Grafenegg: approx. 15 minutes after the end of the concert
Journey time approx. 55 min
