Criticism of Hinterhäuser: Salzburg Festival in the crisis!

The focus of the Salzburg Festival and its director Markus Hinterhäuser, who has been at the top of the renowned festival since 2016, are at the center of an emerging storm. While backhouses have been praised for his artistic foresight in the past, the first public reviews are now breaking off his leadership style. Director Michael Sturminger, known for his work on the "everyone", expressed sharp accusations against back houses: "There is no more regulatory, suddenly someone has come up with it: nobody now tells me." Especially after the surprising termination of the entire ensemble and the expulsion of acting boss Marina Davydova, communication within the Festspielhaus is in the line of fire.

The tensions reach new heights when Klemens Renoldner, an experienced author and former head of the Stefan-Zweig Center, certifies the Missmanagement festival. Hinterhäuser is also increasingly criticized within the board of trustees, which consists of seven members. Salzburg Mayor Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ) demands clarification: "I have already agreed to the appointments. The mood was quite medium." This unrest seems to be connected directly with the internal restructuring and the recent contract extension in Hinterhäuser by 2031.

Hinterhäuser's role and problems

Markus Hinterhäuser, who comes from a musical family and is even known internationally as a pianist, has always campaigned for the music of the 20th century. Nevertheless, as wikipedia.de , the critical speech acts increase against him, while the dissatisfaction among artists and board members grows. In the middle of these turbulent times, rear houses even remains unreachable for a statement. The President of the Salzburg Festival, Kristina Hammer, is trying to smooth the waves by referring to the need for divergent opinions within the committee.

The developments raise questions about the future orientation of the Salzburg Festival and the related relationship between creativity and management, which were known for their innovative strength in the past. While the festival year 2024 is in the starting blocks, attention remains at the unresolved conflicts and the leadership of Markus Hinterhäuser.