The Melk Baroque Days: A cultural festival full of highlights and emotions!

The Melk Baroque Days: A cultural festival full of highlights and emotions!

Michael Schade, the celebrated tenor, has extended his role as director of the International Baroque Days at Melk Abbey until 2030 and is planning an exciting future for the music festival. Schade, who is known as a “cultural thinker”, is passionate about cultural design and sees the Baroque Days as a flagship for Lower Austrian culture. In a recent interview with the Small newspaper He expressed that the preparation and dedication involved in his work represent a responsibility for him. “We don’t just hold out a hand, we also give a lot back,” said Schade, emphasizing the importance of the festival for the region. The Baroque Days not only attract tourists, but also offer a space for exchange between the audience and artists.

Cultural innovations and exciting program items

The Baroque Days, which will take place from June 6th to 9th this year, will be enriched by numerous prominent participants. Schade works with well-known artists such as Pablo Heras-Casado and the Munich Court Orchestra, and is particularly pleased about the premiere of a new setting of the “Melker Marienlied” by Johannes Schachtner. He also intends to refresh future programs with modern and appealing content instead of classical baroque music, as he said in a conversation with SN.at explained. Schade will continue to work closely with the Concentus Musicus, which has been named the festival's resident orchestra and will play a key role in the performances.

Schade also made it clear that he not only wants to put the stars in the spotlight, but also wants to promote young talent. The Heinrich Schmelzer Competition has been revised and the winners will have the opportunity to perform during the Baroque Days. With a clear plan to make the Baroque Days lively and dynamic, Schade demonstrates his commitment to the festival and the artistic development of the cultural scene in Melk.