Karolina Ellinger takes over the management of Wachau Kultur Melk GmbH

Karolina Ellinger takes over the management of Wachau Kultur Melk GmbH

The Wachau Kultur Melk GmbH has a new operational managing director. Since August 1, 2024, Karolina Ellinger has been responsible for significant cultural projects in the region, including the international baroque days Melk, the summer games Melk, Wachau in real time and the Melk Kulturwerkstatt carpentry.

After she has prevailed in a challenging selection process against over 30 competitors: inside, Ellinger takes the place of Simone Bamberg, who has been the management of Grafenegg Kulturwetriebsgesellschaft m.B.H. guides. Paul Gessl, Managing Director of Lower Austria Kulturwirtschafts GmbH and chairman of the finding commission, describes her as a "best candidate", whose knowledge and experience in cultural business you have convinced.

a rich career

Karolina Ellinger brings a variety of experiences in the cultural industry. Previously, she was an orchestra manager of the Vienna Academy Orchestra and held various activities as a division manager in the Lower Austrian State Youth Orchestras, at the autumn days of the blind market and the Innsbruck Festwochen Festwochen of the Old Music. Her qualification as a music scientist and cultural manager is supplemented by her role as an chairwoman of the Lower Austria concert choir.

Already in 2017 she had the first points of contact with Wachau Kultur Melk as project manager of the international Johann Heinrich Schmelz competition during the international baroque days. This commitment helped her to get to know the culture and the people in the region better.

"I am really looking forward to shaping the future of the Wachau Kultur Melk. This is particularly diverse thanks to its four sectors and combines a deep anchoring in the region with international flair and importance," said Ellinger with enthusiasm about her new role and the possibilities that she offers.

The change in the leadership of this important cultural institution underline the dynamics in the regional cultural scene. With Ellinger at the top, a new windy approach could be created in the upcoming projects and events.