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AMADEUS FESTIVAL 2026 METAMORPHOSIS
AMADEUS FESTIVAL 2026 METAMORPHOSIS
WELCOME TO AMADEUS
FESTIVAL VIENNA
AMADEUS Festival Vienna is a prestigious yearly event that dedicates to promoting the beauty of classical music through open-air concerts on the greenery and beautiful campus of the AMADEUS International School Vienna.
In addition to the open-air concerts, the Festival is committed to enriching the cultural landscape by presenting diverse projects. These include the Art Exhibition, the International Design Competition, the “Violins&Soul” Competition, the “Pianos&Soul” Competition and the Family & Fun Day (a special day dedicated to the local community).
The theme for AMADEUS Festival Vienna 2026 is “METAMORPHOSIS”, promising to be another memorable and magnificent edition.
Guest of Honour
Dr Andreas Mailath-Pokorny
We are deeply honored to welcome Dr Andreas Mailath-Pokorny as our Guest of Honor for the Opening Gala of the AMADEUS Festival 2026. As the current Rector of the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, Dr. Mailath-Pokorny brings a lifetime of dedication to the intersection of diplomacy, culture, and education.
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The AMADEUS Festival Vienna is set to take place for the sixth time in June 2026. Once again, this year's early summer open-air event will be held on the grounds of the former Semmelweis Hospital, featuring a series of unusual concerts and performances.
As the rector of the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), I am delighted that so many of this unique university's artists—both teachers and graduates—have been and will continue to be represented in the festival program.
For example, violinists Jennifer Stumm, Jura Margulis, and Pavel Vernikov, all of whom currently teach at the MUK, gave masterclasses. Acclaimed performances were also given by MUK graduates Yury Revich and Aleksey Igudesman. Three members of the Jánoška Ensemble, who will perform at the AMADEUS Festival Vienna on Saturday, June 27, 2026, have close ties to the MUK and its predecessor institution. Double bassist Julius Darvas graduated from the Vienna Conservatory, brothers Ondrej and Roman Jánoška, violinists, studied with MUK professors Boris Kuschnir and Pavel Vernikov and took master classes.
Such genealogies demonstrate the extent to which the fields of art and music function as media of connection, exchange, and further development here in Vienna.
The AMADEUS Festival Vienna, closely associated with the AMADEUS International School Vienna, chose the perfect motto for 2026: "Metamorphosis." Indeed, learning is a process of "transformation," just as practising and appreciating art and music promote knowledge, cognitive processes, and personal development.
With this in mind, I wish the artistic director, the artists, and everyone involved every success!
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Dr. Andreas Mailath-Pokorny, * 1959, a 1983 graduate from the University of Vienna’s Law Faculty, went on to study further education at Johns Hopkins University (School of Advanced International Studies, Bologna Center), where he obtained a degree in International Relations on top of his studies at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Vienna. Mailath-Pokorny embarked on his professional career in the diplomatic services of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1986. He worked for the Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky as member of his cabinet from 1988 to 1996, his last post there being executive Chief of Staff. He subsequently led the department for Arts Affairs in the Federal Chancellery. In 2001, he joined the Vienna city government and became City Councilor and State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Science. From 2015 onwards, his responsibilities were expanded to cover fields such as sport, information and information communication technology; he is also president of the Federation of Social Democratic Academics, Intellectuals and Artists (BSA) since 2010.
As of the academic year 2018-19 he is the Rector of the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna.In 2022, he was awarded the Grand Decorations of Honour in Gold for services to the Republic of Austria and that of the State of Vienna (2023).
Guest of Honour
Mag Marcus Ratka
We are deeply honored to welcome Mag Marcus Ratka as our Guest of Honor for the concert on Friday, 26 June: Cinematic Metamorphosis. As Rector of the JAM Music Lab Private University, he embodies a lifelong dedication to fostering dialogue between culture, and education.
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It is a great pleasure for me to share my greetings for the AMADEUS Festival for the very first time – and to do so in a new capacity: JAM Music Lab Private University is now a strategic partner of the AMADEUS International School Vienna. This partnership reflects a shared vision – we see ourselves as music institutions of the future, jointly responding in innovative and forward-thinking ways to the artistic and societal demands of our time.
The AMADEUS Festival 2026, under the inspiring theme “Metamorphosis,” beautifully captures this spirit of transformation and evolution. The dialogue between classical traditions and contemporary artistic expression is not only artistically enriching, but also essential for educating the next generation of musicians.
In this context, I am particularly delighted to see young talents – including students from JAM – being given a platform within the festival. Initiatives such as the concert on 26 June highlight the importance of creating bridges between education and the professional stage, offering emerging artists meaningful opportunities to grow and develop.
I warmly congratulate all those involved in bringing this remarkable festival to life and wish audiences and performers alike inspiring concerts, artistic discoveries, and many memorable moments.
“Violins&Soul”
Competition 2025
Congratulations to
the Grand Prize
Winner | Audrey Park
The “Violins & Soul” Salon Music Violin Competition came to a spectacular close at the AMADEUS Festival Vienna 2025, celebrating the elegance and charm of salon music.
On 27 June, three outstanding finalists took to the Festival Stage, captivating the audience with their artistry and passion.
A heartfelt congratulations to Audrey Park, winner of this year’s Grand Prize. We also applaud Siyi Li for earning second place and the Audience Prize, and Lorenz Karls for securing third place.
Thank you to our wonderful audience, generous sponsors, and esteemed jury patrons — your support made this celebration of music truly unforgettable.
GREETINGS 2026
AMADEUS FESTIVAL VIENNA
Dear esteemed friends of the AMADEUS Festival Vienna,
The sixth edition of the festival opens with a new breath, a synergy of both the classic & the contemporary art forms. “Metamorphosis” is our gift to you this year.
The powerful duo Bartolomey Bittmann will grace the Opening Gala with their unconventional performance yet classical (25.6.2026).
“Young Composers’ Night: A journey into the young minds of the 21st century” (26.6.2026).
A joyous return of the winners of the Violin&Soul Competition, uniting with the Janoska Ensemble (27.6.2026).
Internationally acclaimed artists from the Canary Islands featuring Benito Cabrera, Tomás Fariña and Jep Meléndez. A mighty small instrument, the Canarian Timple will make its first appearance. (28.6.2026).
It is with great pleasure that I invite you, once again, to another year of excitement and exhilaration.
Warm wishes,
Mrs Karen Goh
Every year, the AMADEUS Festival unfolds a vibrant tapestry of events that enrich the cultural summer in Währing. And what could be more delightful than experiencing world-class classical performances beneath the open sky, right in the heart of our wonderful district?
I am especially excited about this year’s theme, „Metamorphosis“. The festival’s quest to explore meaningful connections and foster dialogue between classical traditions and contemporary artistic expressions promises an edition full of inspiration and discovery.
Even the first programme preview already hints at both fresh surprises and beloved familiar highlights. I very much look forward to all that awaits us—and I am certain we’ll meet at the Opening Gala in June 2026!
Warm wishes,
Mag Silvia Nossek
Vienna, as the world’s capital of music, has a long and distinguished tradition. During the era of the Viennese Classical School, musical luminaries such as Mozart (from Salzburg), Haydn (from Rohrau) and Beethoven (from Bonn) came to the Danube metropolis to create their greatest works. Today, we build upon the legacy of these great composers, including in the creation of outstanding educational opportunities for musicians.
Alongside the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna (MUK), I would also like to highlight the Music & Arts Academy at AMADEUS International School Vienna. Here, musical talents from around the world have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the renowned “Viennese sound”. A showcase of these educational endeavours is the annual AMADEUS Festival Vienna, which this year is entering its sixth edition. Under the motto “Metamorphosis”, the festival explores the dialogue between classical and contemporary art. Highlights include the opening gala featuring Bartolomey Bittmann, the Young Composers’ Night, a concert with the winners of the Violin & Soul Competition together with the Janoska Ensemble, as well as a presentation by artists from the Canary Islands.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Goh Family for their long-standing commitment to our city’s musical life, and I wish all festival participants every success.
Dr. Michael Ludwig
Mayor and Governor of Vienna
Discover the latest updates from the AMADEUS Festival Vienna, including exciting news about the winner of the AMADEUS International Design Competition, upcoming ticket releases, concert announcements, and much more.
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