When did the Salzburg Festival officially open?
The Salzburg Festival officially opened on the 22nd of August 1920. Hugo von Hofmannsthal and Richard Strauss stood at the center of this new cultural movement.
Questions about Salzburg Festival
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the founders of the Salzburg Festival after World War I?
Five men are now recognized as the founders who championed this revival after World War I ended in 1918. Alfred Roller designed the scenery while Franz Schalk conducted early concerts.
Why was the Salzburg Festival cancelled during Nazi Germany rule?
Joseph Goebbels ordered the cancellation of the entire festival in 1944 following the failed assassination attempt on Hitler. The play Jedermann was dropped from the program after Attila Hörbiger last performed it.
How long did Herbert von Karajan serve as artistic director of the Salzburg Festival?
Herbert von Karajan became artistic director of the Salzburg Festival in 1956 and his leadership lasted until his death in 1989 when the festival underwent drastic modernization.
What major event happened at the Salzburg Festival in 2006 regarding Mozart operas?
The year 2006 saw the Salzburg Festival celebrate Mozart's 250th birth anniversary with all 22 operatic works staged including two that remained unfinished by their composer. All performances were filmed and released on DVD in November 2006 for global distribution.