KulturBURG
The KulturBURG offers a diverse and high-quality programme from April to September, complementing the summer opera production. The range spans from vernissages at the new KunstBURG and matinées to musical readings, song recitals, concerts, and spectacular open-air events – a season full of cultural highlights!
After the successful launch of this newly created format, 2026 will once again present a season that stands out with exceptional cultural highlights.
KulturBURG
KunstBURG – HANNES MLENEK
Vernissage of the Werner Trenker Collection
April 26, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Grand Hall – Vernissage
CLEMENS UNTERREINER invites, together with art collector and entrepreneur WERNER TRENKER, to the ceremonial opening of the KunstBURG 2026. Look forward to impressive works by artist HANNES MLENEK from the HOMO HUMANUS collection, which will be on display from May to September throughout the entire festival season of the Opera BURG GARS in the historic grand hall.
REGISTRATION CARDS: Register via e-mail
KulturBURG
MUTTERTAGSKONZERT
Song Recital with Clemens UNTERREINER and Martha MATSCHEKO
May 10, 2026 | 3:00-5:00 PM
Grand Hall – Concert
Look forward to the traditional concert filled with emotion and good cheer for the whole family. Appearing alongside KS CLEMENS UNTERREINER are the young emerging soprano MARTHA MATSCHEKO, who won over the Gars audience as Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore 2024 and ANDREA LINSBAUER on the piano. Enjoy arias, songs and duets that touch the heart.
KulturBURG
HABSBURGS verschollene SCHÄTZE
Katrin UNTERREINER – Michaela LINDINGER – Christoph KÖCHERT
May 31, 2026 | 7:00-8:00 PM
Grand Hall – Musical Reading
Experience a captivating conversation between historian and expert on the Imperial House KATRIN UNTERREINER, author and curator at the Wien Museum MICHAELA LINDINGER, and jeweller CHRISTOPH KÖCHERT, former Imperial and Royal Court Jeweller A. E. KÖCHERT. Immerse yourself in the glittering world of the lost crown jewels and be swept away by many other stories from behind palace walls. Musical accompaniment: pianist MARIA PRINZ.
KulturBURG
ERWIN STEINHAUER
„Der Vorzugsschüler” and „Die Büste des Kaisers“
June 14, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 PM
Grand Hall – Musical Reading
Ksch. ERWIN STEINHAUER presents “The Prize Pupil” and “The Emperor’s Bust” by Joseph Roth.
“The Prize Pupil” (1916) tells the story of a top student who, despite his academic success, ultimately fails in life. “The Emperor’s Bust” (1935) takes you to Galicia, to the small village of Lopatyny. At its centre is Count Morstin, who cannot come to terms with the end of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and continues to dream of the restoration of the multi-ethnic empire. Musical accompaniment: ANDREJ SERKOV (button accordion).
KulturBURG
Der MUSIK auf der SPUR
An Interactive Walking Concert for Little Music Detectives
June 26, 2026 | 3:00-5:00 PM
Grand Hall – Castle Courtyard – Concert
Solve exciting puzzles at Gars Castle. The pupils of the Horn Music School will help you along with musical clues.
Ages: 5–99 years.
KulturBURG
MATINÉE – MADAMA BUTTERFLY
June 28, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Grand Hall – Matinée
A musical matinée with the leading team and many artists of MADAMA BUTTERFLY 2026. Experience the cast and the leading team of our summer opera MADAMA BUTTERFLY up close. Look forward to exciting insights and background information on the upcoming premiere. An unforgettable preview of the 2026 opera season!
REGISTRATION CARDS: Register via e-mail
STARS in GARS – UNTERREINER & FRIENDS
August 8, 2026 | 8:00-11:00 PM
Stage – Concert
The summer open-air highlight of the KulturBURG, featuring star guests from opera, operetta, pop, and musical theatre. Enjoy the most beautiful arias, thrilling duets, iconic songs, and impressive opera choruses performed by MARIAM BATTISTELLI, CHRIS STEGER, ANNELY PEEBO, LIDIA BAICH, CLEMENS UNTERREINER, and other distinguished guests. Be enchanted by outstanding musical highlights and a unique atmosphere—while supporting a good cause: donations for people in need will be collected on site. An evening dedicated to music and togetherness—this is an event not to be missed! As in previous years, the concert will be recorded by ORF and broadcast on ORF III.
On this evening, all enthusiastic choir singers will have the exclusive opportunity to stand on stage with the stars. Further information will be provided in February 2026.
KulturBURG
BAICH & SCHAGER
„Siegfried auf Abwegen“
August 30, 2026 | 7:00-9:00 PM
Grand Hall – Musical Reading
The star tenor KS ANDREAS SCHAGER and violin virtuoso LIDIA BAICH, together with special surprise guests, present a humorous journey through Wagner’s works. Their artistic brilliance and stage presence bring Wagner to life in a surprisingly lively and entertaining way.
KulturBURG
VLADAR & VLADAR
„Family Affairs“
September 13, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Grand Hall – Concert
Star pianist STEFAN VLADAR, Philharmonic musician WOLFGANG VLADAR and world-class violinist BOJIDARA KOUZMANOVA VLADAR present a program full of virtuosity, expressive power and thrilling highlights. Together, these renowned artists perform works by César Franck and Johannes Brahms on the stage of the Garser KulturBURG—enhanced by a musical surprise.
KulturBURG
CHEFSACHE
Directors ON STAGE
September 27, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Grand Hall – Song Recital
CLEMENS UNTERREINER invites his fellow singing directors from Lower Austria to the grand season finale concert in Gars! PETER EDELMANN, DANIELA FALLY and ALOIS MÜHLBACHER join him to perform the most beautiful arias, songs, duets and unforgettable evergreens from around the world. On the piano: Vienna State Opera pianist STEPHEN HOPKINS.