German-Austrian Friendship

Recently, I had the great honor to accompany Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier as cultural representative in his delegation during his visit to Austria. This three day visit was the first of his kind after 28 years, and comprised of many special events, including visits to sites of cultural and economic significance in Vienna and in Tirol. We celebrated the opening of the new German embassy in Vienna, where I performed together with Helmut Deutsch pieces by the Austrian Johann Strauß and the German Richard Strauss – demonstrating the unity and friendship these two countries enjoy. As a citizen of both countries, and as a European, I worshiped the inspiring encounters and discussions. At a time when so much seems to divide us, it was wonderful to celebrate the special friendship that exists between Germany and Austria. Jonas Kaufmann
Photo: Bundesregierung / Guido Bergmann

Nächster Artikel:

Artistic Director in Erl

Jonas Kaufmann will take over as artistic director of the Erl Festival in Austria; he will succeed Bernd Loebe in September 2024. As Hans Peter Haselsteiner, President of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl (photo), announced at a press conference on 2 June in Vienna, Kaufmann prevailed over 42 other applicants.

With his vision, enthusiasm, personality and his stage experience, he convinced the appointment committee, which also included Lotte de Beer (director of the Vienna Volksoper) and Bogdan Roscic (director of the Vienna State Opera), and was chosen by them as "primus et unicus" for the appointment.

Jonas Kaufmann will usher in a new era for the Erl Festival, explained Andrea Mayer, State Secretary for the Arts and Culture. To have him "as the new artistic director of the Erl Festival is an extraordinary honour and reflects the festival's aspiration: international charisma and at the same time honoring the culture and history in the region."

As Kaufmann said at the press conference, his new task is by no means "a first step towards the singer's early retirement. I don't feel that I should retire, and I don't want to. I'm a person who likes to work a lot, so now I have another hobbyhorse to work on without having to be on stage every day."

To watch the recording of the press conference, click here.

Jonas Kaufmann Newsletter

In order to add you to our newsletter distribution list, we require confirmation that you are the owner of the email address provided and that you agree to receive the newsletter. The data collected is only used to send the newsletter and to document your consent. No other processing or disclosure to third parties will take place. You can cancel the newsletter and the consent to store the data at any time.