From Bad Ischl via Vienna to Linz

The past INTERKULTUR competitions in cozy Austria are just a short time over, but the international choral music scene can already look forward to another titbit: Linz! Already for the sixth time the acclaimed International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival which is going to be held from June 14-18, 2017 will bring choirs from all parts of the world to the colorful town on the Danube River.

In Linz the choirs have the opportunity to participate in competitions in altogether nine categories, in numerous Friendship Concerts and Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings and to gather valuable experiences.

A festive performance of the Sing'n'Joy Festival Choir in the Mariendom (Neuer Dom) of Linz belongs to the artistic festival highlights. In honor to the patron saint Anton Bruckner, who spent many years of his musical work in Linz and therefore was closely connected to this city, the singers will perform Bruckner's Mass No 1 in D Minor (Kyrie, Gloria and Credo). Bruckner composed the mass within a few months. The premiere was planned to be held in Ischl, the summer residence of the imperial couple, on the occasion of the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph. But the mass was not finished in time, so the work premiered in the in old Dom of Linz.

The festival choir will be conducted by Josef Habringer, Cathedral Cantor and one of the Artistic Directors of the festival. "Within the last years we have heard great project choirs. This is mainly due to the commitment of the choirs diligently rehearsed even before the event starts," said Habringer. "After several performances of Anton Bruckner's great "Te Deum" I am looking forward to bring another outstanding composition of his repertoire on stage – the Mass in D Minor. Moreover I am curious about how many international voices will join our singing on the tracks of Anton Bruckner."

Interested choirs are welcome to participate in the 6th International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival and in the Sing’n’Joy Festival Choir. More information regarding the event next year can be found at the official event website.