Big Baroque Festival: Salzburg Bach Society celebrates 50 years of music history!

Big Baroque Festival: Salzburg Bach Society celebrates 50 years of music history!

There will be a very special celebration in Salzburg on October 25, 2025: The Salzburg Bach Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a festive baroque festival in the historic DomQuarter. One of the most important operas in music history, Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo”, is performed here in concert. Under the direction of Antonius Adamske, the ensemble consisting of the Lautten Compagney Berlin, the Collegium Vocale Salzburg and the Monteverdichor Hamburg will enchant guests and bring the sound language of the Baroque to life.

The anniversary, which starts at 4 p.m., promises more than just music; A varied program awaits visitors between the opera parts. Baroque dances, historical board games and fine food invite you to linger and create an authentic 17th century atmosphere. Lucia van Egmond, the managing director of the Salzburg Bach Society, and the artistic director Virgil Hartinger emphasize the importance of such events for Salzburg's cultural heritage.

Special highlights of the festival

This baroque festival has a long tradition that began in 2016 and now shines in new splendor for the anniversary. The Carabinier hall The DomQuartier was already a historical setting: the first opera outside of Italy was performed here in 1614! During the breaks, guests can not only enjoy first-class music, but also take part in walking concerts and dinner parties, which are accompanied by madrigals from the time of Markus Sittikus.

But that's not all: the entire anniversary program presents various facets of baroque music. The popular Christmas Oratorio is on the program in December, followed by Christoph Coin, who will perform Bach's Suites for Cello solo in February 2026. In March, another highlight will be offered with the St. Matthew Passion and a performance by The King’s Singers. And not to forget the traditional concert on August 15, 2026, where musical treasures from Salzburg-Bavarian monasteries will be celebrated.

Maps and information

Entry to the Baroque Festival costs 55 euros, reduced tickets are available for students as well as civilian and military service personnel for just 15 euros. If you have a knack for entertainment and education, you should get your tickets at the Mozarteum Foundation ticket office. It is advisable to appear in elegant evening wear in order to properly honor the festive setting. Information about this and other events can also be found at salzburg.info.

At a time when cultural life is going through many changes, Virgil Hartinger warns that it is the pursuit of baroque sounds that brings people together and awakens emotions. The Salzburg Bach Society was founded in 1976 by Albert Hartinger and has since presented a large number of important figures in early music - a true jewel in Salzburg's cultural scene.