Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival
The Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival (alternate: Internationales Kammermusikfest Lockenhaus) is an annual chamber music festival located in the Austrian state of Burgenland. It is held at three venues in Lockenhaus: Burg Lockenhaus castle, Church of St. Nikolaus, and the old monastery of Lockenhaus.[1] The New York Times has referred to as perhaps one of the "two most refined music festivals of all",[2] and a European cultural treasure.[3] While both older and younger talents perform,[4] notable performers include Vladimir Ashkenazy, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Heinz Holliger, Cho-Liang Lin, and András Schiff.[5] According to its founder, violinist Gidon Kremer, the Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival philosophically resembles the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, US.[6]
Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival
Events[edit]
Lockenhaus is said to be a music festival like few others in the world with Vermont's Marlboro coming closest.[15] The festival offers song recitals, solo instrumental recitals and chamber music.[2] Most rehearsals are open to the public. A given concert's works are announced only twenty-four hours in advance.[3] Spontaneous, 12-hour marathon concerts, interspersed with meal and rest breaks, are not uncommon.[6]
The festival occurs in the summer and lasts for two weeks. The Lockenhaus Academy for Chamber Music occurs every other year following a tradition of promoting young musicians and composers.[16]