Online Press Conference Invitation

The Festwochen cordially invite to the online press conference for the presentation of the programme for the 2026 Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik, marking its 50th anniversary.

When: Tuesday, 18 March 2026, 3 p.m.

Where: Online (access link after registration)

Artistic Director Eva-Maria Sens and Music Director Ottavio Dantone will provide in-depth insights into the programme for the anniversary edition during the online press conference and engage in dialogue with the media representatives in attendance.

The anniversary programme centres on Pietro Antonio Cesti's monumental Baroque opera ‘Il pomo d'oro’, which premiered at the Viennese court in 1668. The legendary work, which broke all the boundaries of its genre when it premiered, now returns in its impressive dimension for the first time and will be presented on two consecutive evenings at the Tiroler Landestheater. (7/8 August, 11/12 August and 15/16 August 2026). As the music for the 3rd and 5th acts has been lost, these have been reconstructed by Ottavio Dantone using other works by Cesti. This is based on a preserved manuscript containing key arias and the complete libretto. Through a careful selection from Cesti's complete works, the opera can be experienced in all its diversity once again.

In addition to this baroque opera par excellence, the anniversary programme looks to the future and brings together young vocal talents – for example in Handel's ‘Atalanta’ as part of Barockoper:Jung (21, 23, 25 & 26 August) – with top-class concerts by international stars such as Jean Rondeau, Giovanni Antonini and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, as well as the return of René Jacobs and Alessandro de Marchi.

Online press conference – registration required

Participation in the online press conference is only possible after prior registration – only registered persons will receive the access link.

Please send your registration by email to leonie.schiessendoppler@altemusik.at