Prepare yourself for an exhilarating summer, as the Salzburg Festival 2023 is set to shake things up. This year's focus is on European literature and artists hailing from the East, with two out of three new opera productions being adaptations of Dostoyevsky novels. Beware, Peter Sellars will direct Prokofiev's "The Gambler" with Asmik Grigorian, while Krzysztof Warlikowski tackles the modern opera "The Idiot" by Mieczyslaw Weinberg.
Revolt is the theme that has grabbed the attention of many, and Marcous Hinterhäuser, the artistic director, has revealed that many selected works deal with the rejection of a world that expects more than what individuals can offer. Characters in these operas stage a form of rebellion against such a world.
The new head of drama, Marina Davydova, has been employed to provide an international orientation to the festival's theater section. Her debut program primarily embraces European literature and theater productions, such as Thomas Mann's "Magic Mountain."
Nicolas Stemman's project "The Oresteia" focuses on themes of violence and politics based on ancient dramas. Hofmannsthal's "Jedermann" will kick off the festival, marking the first-time appearances of Philipp Hochmair and Deleila Piasko in the leading roles, following last summer's production that sparked mixed reactions.
Unfortunately, women authors and composers have been overlooked in the festival's opera and theater program, with direction being almost exclusively in the hands of men. However, there's an exception with Mariame Clément directing Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffmann."
Star conductor Teodor Currentzis will continue to be relied upon, with the Greek-Russian maestro scheduled to conduct a revival of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Conductors Christian Thielemann and Daniel Barenboim are also expected to join, accompanied by his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and Israeli and Palestinian musicians.
The Salzburg Festival offers a total of 172 performances from July 19th to August 31st. With a concentrated concert program featuring Arnold Schönberg's music, this year's festival is not short on controversy, as the program still considers Schönberg's music to be problematic by some.
The Salzburg Festival seems to be on a mission to encapsulate the universe of music and theater, offering a diverse range of productions. The 2024 program includes a new staging of Weinberg's "The Idiot," a concert treatment of Thomas' "Hamlet," and a revival of Spontini's "La vestale." The drama section features "Die Orestie" and "Jedermann," while the concert program features a Rachmaninoff Concert, a historically informed performance of Wagner's "Walküre" from Dresden, and an assault on Bruckner's Ninth. Other productions include a staging of Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffmann" and Stefan Zweig's "Sternstunden der Menschheit."
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the festival, as evidenced by a ballet titled "Frida's World," based on the life of Frida Kahlo, a prominent Mexican artist known for her self-portraits and experiences as a woman and an artist. Chaya Czernowin, a renowned artist and composer, has also been involved in various festivals and has composed large-scale works for the stage. Furthermore, the Salzburg Queer Update hosts various queer events and performances, including drag shows and queer pub quizzes, adding a unique flavor to the festival. And let's not forget the Salzburg Pride Festival 2024, which includes events like the queer pub quiz and "Cooking at Olina’s," designed to celebrate queer pride and self-confidence.
In conclusion, while women authors and composers are underrepresented in the festival's opera and theater program, the festival's broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by its programming and community events, suggests a strong effort to feature them in other aspects, like the ballet "Frida's World" and the previously involved artist Chaya Czernowin. The presence of initiatives like the Salzburg Queer Update and the Salzburg Pride Festival further underscores this commitment. But remember, the Salzburg Festival is not just about promoting diversity, it's about being a captivating cultural extravaganza that invites everyone to indulge and enjoy.
