Grief for Herbert Scheiböck: Folk culture in Upper Austria loses icon

Grief for Herbert Scheiböck: Folk culture in Upper Austria loses icon

A drastic year for folk culture in Upper Austria: Herbert Scheiböck, the President of the Upper Austria. Forum folk culture, surprisingly died in early January 2024 at the age of 72. His death leaves a noticeable gap in the folk cultural community. But the year not only brings losses, but also extraordinary success. Alexander Maurer at the Linz Bruckneruni is appointed worldwide first university professor on Styrian harmonica, which is celebrated as a sensation. Furthermore, Upper Austria shines at the folk music competition, where five groups achieve first -class performances, as orf reported.

diversity and commitment of folk culture

The lively folk culture in Upper Austria, supported by around 3,500 clubs and 120,000 committed volunteers, manifests itself in many exciting projects. In 2024, the OÖ Forum Volkskultur organizes numerous events that underline the variety of regional culture. These include the 50th birthday of the Upper Austria. Folk songs with a unique musician ball, the long night of choirs in Wels and a large music festival of brass music in the state capital. The upcoming European shooting meeting in Mondsee will also take part in a highlight of the year, in which tens of thousands of shooters will take part, such as Upper Austria People's Culture

The year is also shaped by the new, but controversial traditional suit for men, and the Salzkammergut region not only celebrates its role as a cultural capital, but also the 500th anniversary. With the entry of the Sern pipe in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets, another step to recognize the rich cultural heritage of this region is carried out. The planned new president of the Upper Austria also applies. Forum folk culture, Christine Huber, who succeeds Herbert Scheiböck after the new elections in autumn and should bring a breath of fresh air to the organization.