Tirol and Innsbruck Announce Lineup of Top Summer Festivals

Locals and visitors alike will descend on the Heart of the Alps in Austria to experience a taste of culture that is uniquely Tirolian with an international flare.

Heart of the Alps holds a deep, rich history with the arts and visitors can experience a taste of the Tirolian music scene through the sounds of blues and jazz at the New Orleans Festival in Innsbruck from July 21 – 24 or see a performance of the beloved production of “The Sound of Music” at Kufstein Operetta Summer, and much more, all while taking in the beauty of the surrounding Austrian Alps. With both classical and new age artistic performances, Innsbruck and Tirol bridge the historical and modern ties of Austrian culture for a lineup of top festivals and performances this summer.

Top Tirolian Summer Festivals include:

Thiersee Passion Plays

June 12 – October 2, 2016

Staged every six years, over 250 Thiersee locals come together to present the beloved tradition of the Passion Plays. The local production has been a part of Thiersian's culture and traditions for over 200 years. In 1799, the Thiersians promised that in Lent they would re-enact the suffering and death of Christ to avoid impending war. This decisive event in history gave victory to hope, love, light, and life creating a powerful production to live on for generations.

Innsbruck Dance Summer Festival

June 17 – July 10, 2016

The Innsbruck Dance Summer Festival –now in its 22nd year– offers diverse programs and will once again spark excitement with fascinating world class performances showcasing many forms of dance such as ballet, modern, and contemporary. With performers coming from around the world, festival goers will be treated to Djuki Mala, bringing Australian Aboriginal traditions to Tirol's capital. In addition to watching the different styles of dance, visitors can be a part of the action and learn the dance steps themselves through galas, Jazz Dance workshops, and intercultural projects held at St. Johann, Axams, Landeck, and Lienz.

Tirol Festival of Erl

July 7 – 31, 2016

Taking place each summer, the Tirol Festival of Erl has turned a charming Tirolean resort into a major venue for lovers of Wagner music. Visitors will have endless amounts of music to enjoy in Erl with the 2016 summer program including nine operas, six concerts featuring three orchestras, and eight chamber music events. The program also showcases the productions of Rossini's opera “Guglielmo Tell” and Mozart's “The Magic Flute;” the latter will be a special family performance.

Nordkette Wetterleuchten (Heat Lightning) Electronic Music Festival
July 16 – 17, 2016

Party high above Tirol's capitol of Innsbruck as the electronic music festival at Nordkette features performances from an internationally renowned electronic music lineup. Visitors will take the gondola up the mountain to enjoy the venue's uninterrupted panoramic views of Innsbruck set against the stunning mountain landscape.

New Orleans Festival

July 21– 24, 2016

Each year, the sound of blues and jazz return to Innsbruck as the New Orleans Festival pays homage to The Big Easy with Southern vibes and music. New Orleans and Innsbruck have been sister cities for more than 20 years and this festival brings together internationally recognized artists of the rootsy New Orleans landscape, jazz lovers, and bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from across Austria. For the 18th time, the summer breeze will be blowing through the crowd at Innsbruck for four days of carefree dancing and music loving bliss.

Kufstein Operetta Summer

July 29 – August 14, 2016

The Kufstein Operetta Summer Festival – celebrating its 10th anniversary – will bring the production of “The Sound of Music” to life at the extraordinary and historic Kufstein Fortress venue towering high above the charming town.

40th Innsbruck Festival of Early Music

July 19 – August 27, 2016

The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016. All the musical strings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods will come together in celebration of the anniversary. Highlights of this year's festival include the performances of an opera concert featuring countertenor René Jacobs, who shaped the Innsbruck Festival between 1976 and 2009. A historic version of Mozart's “The Magic Flute” will also be performed especially for children. The instruments played in 1976 will be showcased in the anniversary program including the baroque violin, the viola da gamba, and the harpsichord. This year, these instruments will be the focus of special concerts given by violinist Hiro Kurosaki and the viol consort Fretwork.

Innsbruck Promenade Concerts

July 4 – 31, 2016

The Promenade Concerts are a quintessential summer tradition in Innsbruck attracting locals and visitors alike for more than 20 years. The regal touch of Austrian royalty comes to life as the Imperial Palace courtyard is filled with the sounds of classical modern music. The selection of music ranges from international military, police and civilian orchestras, as well as brass ensembles, brass bands, and a big band. Visitors can expect to be wowed by beautiful visuals, new featured artists, and an unforgettable atmosphere. The concerts are free for all attendees.

For more information on Tirol and Innsbruck please visit: www.tyrol.com and www.innsbruck.info.