Artistic Director of Opera BURG GARS

Clemens Unterreiner’s inspiring life – from losing his sight as a child to becoming a celebrated “Kammersänger,” soloist at the Vienna State Opera, author, teacher, and artistic director – is a truly remarkable Austrian story.

Clemens Unterreiner grew up in his hometown Vienna, as well as in Graz and Budapest and received private vocal training from various renowned teachers.

Since 2005 he has been a soloist at the Vienna State Opera, captivating audiences in more than 900 performances, 25 premieres and over 90 different roles. As an internationally sought-after guest soloist and concert singer, he has performed in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Baden-Baden, Dresden, Budapest, Nice, Muscat, Copenhagen, Helsinki and many other countries. In doing so, he regularly collaborates with all the major colleagues, directors, and conductors in the classical music world.

Since September 2023, Clemens Unterreiner has served as Artistic Director of the prestigious Opera BURG GARS festival, set at the historic Babenberg Castle in Gars am Kamp.

In a multi-stage, rigorous selection process, Clemens Unterreiner was unanimously appointed by the municipality’s selection committee as artistic director for the 2024–2026 seasons. Following director Karel Drgac (1990–2013) and conductor Johannes Wildner (2013–2023), this marks the first time that one of Austria’s most distinguished opera singers has taken over as artistic director of Opera BURG GARS.

His extensive stage experience and deep knowledge of the international music theater business, his many years of experience in press work and fundraising, as well as his charitable and socio-political engagement, support of young emerging artists, jury work at singing competitions as well as teaching at international masterclasses, all complement the artistic profile of the new director.

In his third year at the Opera BURG GARS, Clemens Unterreiner will present Giacomo Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY in the summer of 2026, one of the most significant works in opera history.