International choral music in the Mariendom Linz
Monumental building opens the holy gates for the Choir Competition and Festival
Anyone who spends a weekend in Linz, Austria, will also come to enjoy a walk through the beautiful medieval old town. Among the many historical buildings a powerful building complex with a monumental tower catches the eye: the Mariendom Linz.
Also known as Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and New Cathedral, the Roman Catholic building was commissioned in 1854. The cathedral was completed only 81 years later, in 1935.
With a height of 134.8 meters and an area of 5,170 m² the cathedral is the largest church building in Austria, but not the highest. According to a legend the originally planned height was not granted, because at that time in Austria-Hungary no building could be higher than the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.
In addition to 54 pillars and 17 altars the monumental building is decorated with 142 glass windows. Particularly noteworthy are the painting windows. Probably the best known is the so-called Linzer Window depicting the history of the city of Linz.
Not only the eyes but also the ears are pampered in the New Cathedral. In addition to nine church bells the Cathedral has two organs, a choir organ and a cathedral organ equipped with 5890 pipes, whose sound is truly gigantic. In addition to the regular fairs the wonderful acoustics of the cathedral offers the best conditions for symphonic and chamber concerts from all classical music eras.
Also the participants of the Sing'n’Joy festival choir of the 6th International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival 2017 will bring every corner of the cathedral to sound. Under the direction of cathedral chapel master Joseph Habringer, one of the Artistic Directors of the choir festival, the participating singers will perform together Bruckner's Mass No.1 in D Minor (Kyrie, Gloria and Credo).
Already for the sixth time the International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival will take place in Linz from June 14-18, 2017. More information about the competition participation and registration is available on the event website. All interested choirs who register until October 31, 2016 will receive an early bird discount.
