Criticism of Hinterhäuser: Salzburg Festival in crisis!

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Director Markus Hinterhäuser is in the crossfire of criticism over his management of the Salzburg Festival, especially after recent layoffs and communication problems.

Intendant Markus Hinterhäuser steht im Kreuzfeuer der Kritik an seiner Führung der Salzburger Festspiele, insbesondere nach jüngsten Entlassungen und Kommunikationsproblemen.
Director Markus Hinterhäuser is in the crossfire of criticism over his management of the Salzburg Festival, especially after recent layoffs and communication problems.

Criticism of Hinterhäuser: Salzburg Festival in crisis!

At the center of an emerging storm are the Salzburg Festival and its director Markus Hinterhäuser, who has been at the helm of the renowned festival since 2016. While Hinterhäuser was praised for his artistic vision in the past, the first public criticisms of his leadership style are now breaking out. Director Michael Sturminger, known for his work on “Everyman,” made sharp accusations against Hinterhäuser: “There are no more regulations, suddenly someone came up with it: no one tells me to stop now.” Especially after the unexpected termination of the entire ensemble and the expulsion of acting director Marina Davydova, communication within the festival hall is in the firing line.

Tensions reach new heights when Klemens Renoldner, an experienced author and former director of the Stefan Zweig Center, accuses the festival of mismanagement. Hinterhäuser is also increasingly criticized within the board of trustees, which consists of seven members. Salzburg's mayor Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ) demands clarification: "I've already made up the dates. The mood was definitely mediocre." This unrest appears to be directly linked to Hinterhäuser's internal restructuring and recent contract extension until 2031.

Hinterhäuser's role and problems

Markus Hinterhäuser, who comes from a musical family and is himself internationally known as a pianist, has always championed the music of the 20th century. Still, how wikipedia.de reports, critical speech against him is increasing, while dissatisfaction among artists and board members is growing. In the midst of these turbulent times, Hinterhäuser remains unavailable even for a statement. Meanwhile, the President of the Salzburg Festival, Kristina Hammer, is trying to smooth things over by pointing out the need for diverging opinions within the committee.

The developments raise questions about the future direction of the Salzburg Festival and the related relationship between creativity and management, which have been known for their innovative strength in the past. While the 2024 festival year is about to begin, attention remains on the unresolved conflicts and the leadership of Markus Hinterhäuser.