Enjoying the Culture 177annual festival. The city lies on the shores of the Bodensee
(Lake Constance), and every July and August, an elaborate
floating stage is built. The audience, safe on dry land,
enjoys lavish productions of operas and operettas, musicals
and ballets.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck hosts an Early Music Festival in August that
highlights Baroque music. Performances are primarily held
at Ambras Palace. Year-round musical events are performed
at the Kongresshaus (Convention Centre), Stadtsäale and
Konservatorium (music school). The Tiroler Symphony
Orchestra performs at the Tiroler Landestheater.
Styria and Carinthia
Every June since 1985, Graz, Styria’s beautiful capital, has
celebrated Styriarte, a festival highlighting classical music.
The Styrian Autumn Festival, Austria’s largest avant-garde
festival, is celebrated in Graz and the surrounding towns. But
you don’t have to wait for a festival. You can attend one of
the many performances at the beautiful Graz Opera House
or the Schauspielhaus.
The Carinthian Summer Festival has been held in
Ossiach and Villach since 1969. Mostly religious pieces
are performed.
Choices and More Choices!
Instead of having nothing to do, in Austria you may be
overwhelmed by your choices of entertainment. Performances
and art exhibitions are well advertised. You’ll notice fliers posted
on large round pillars and on any available surface. In Vienna,
people are even hired to dress up in period dress to entice
tourists to buy tickets. In general, venues are closed during July
and August, when the official symphonies and ballet, opera and
theatre companies are on vacation. Special festivals abound to
make up for their absence.