Schubert and Kraus: Torchlight evening in Gmunden promises great enjoyment!

Schubert and Kraus: Torchlight evening in Gmunden promises great enjoyment!

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, the actor Nicholas Ofczarek and the baritone Georg Nigl will present an extraordinary Schubert song evening entitled “The Torch – Another Schubertiade”. This special event takes place as part of the renowned Salzkammergut Festival Weeks in the Gmunden City Theater. The focus is on the works of the composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828) and the writings of the important satirist Karl Kraus (1874-1936). Ofczarek, who already collaborated with Nigl at the Vienna State Opera, highlights the interactions between Schubert's songs and Kraus' texts, which complement and enrich each other.

The evening will be a captivating combination of reading and song program. What is particularly interesting is the look at the political dialogues in which both Schubert and Kraus took part during their time. The Viennese Biedermeier period is often described as a blissful era, but Schubert's involvement in political discourse is only partially understandable. The so-called Schubertiads, originally private performances of Schubert's works, were also places of political and philosophical exchange, making them a shared journey of discovery for the audience.

Schubert and Kraus in dialogue

The combination of Schubert's romantic wanderings and Kraus' sharp satire brings listeners new perspectives on the social conditions of the time. While Schubert often raises utopian questions in his songs, Kraus reflects on social and political grievances in his publication “Die Torch”. This authority for free speech and satirical debate gained great public importance between 1899 and 1936. Kraus' readings filled concert halls and played a crucial role in extra-parliamentary discourse, which underlines the relevance of his work.

After his performance in Gmunden, Ofczarek plans to spend some time in the Salzkammergut. Future projects include the filming of “Braunschlag 1986” and the premiere of Shakespeare’s “Richard III.” at the Academy Theater in late fall. The Schubertiade on June 29th promises not only musical enjoyment, but also a deeper examination of the ideas and themes that occupied both Schubert and Kraus.

Overall, the Schubertiads invite you to reflect on the works of Schubert and Kraus over several seasons and to explore the complex connections between music and literature. This not only entertains the audience, but also encourages them to think critically.

For more information about the event and future events, please visit the website crown, Nest.at and nest(s).