Markus Hinterhäuser, director of the Salzburg Festival, and Katharina Wagner, head of the Bayreuth Festival, recently engaged in a thought-provoking “Salzburger Festspieltalk 2019” in the historic surroundings of Max Reinhardt’s library. Amidst a “Tannhäuser” dress rehearsal, Katharina Wagner found time to discuss their roles in the opera world with Hinterhäuser. The conversation, moderated by Ioan Holender and set to air on Servus TV, delved into the unique challenges and perspectives of their respective festivals.
Hinterhäuser noted the exceptional nature of Bayreuth as a biotope dedicated to engaging with the works of Richard Wagner. In response, Wagner emphasized the distinctive character of the Bayreuth Festival and dismissed any notion of rivalry, highlighting her father’s respect for the Salzburg Festival’s accomplishments.
The dialogue in the “Salzburger Festspieltalk 2019” also explored the modern-day challenge of presenting Wagner’s operas exclusively at Bayreuth. While Hinterhäuser expressed gratitude for the artistic freedom at the Salzburg Festival, Wagner explained the constraints imposed by Bayreuth’s statutes, making it impossible to showcase operas by other composers without changing the festival’s rules. Despite the occasional challenges, the dialogue showcased a mutual appreciation for the rich cultural contributions of both festivals, emphasizing their coexistence and the continued celebration of Wagner’s legacy on the operatic stage.