Graz is set to be a vibrant hub of orchestral and operatic performances in 2026 with a series of concerts and operas showcasing a plethora of creative works and artists. From the grand ensembles in the '3rd Music Association Concert' to the cinematic storytelling of 'Hoffmann's Tales', each event promises a unique artistic experience. As the Graz Philharmonic and renowned artists take center stage, they breathe life into compositions by Janáček, Chopin, Strauss, and more, enriching Graz's cultural landscape.

A Musical Odyssey: Celebrating Diverse Concerts and Operas in Graz

Step into Graz's vibrant world of music and performance with a lineup of captivating events from Oper Graz. From orchestral virtuosity in Music Association Concerts to operatic adventures with 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Hoffmann's Tales', this season offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Join renowned conductors, talented musicians, and innovative directors as they bring both classical and contemporary works to life, creating unforgettable experiences in iconic venues like Stefaniensaal and Oper Graz.

A Symphony of Sounds: Exploring Graz's Dynamic Musical Landscape

Graz is set to resonate with a series of captivating musical events that promise to enthrall both classical music aficionados and opera enthusiasts. From the harmonious resonance of Janáček's Sinfonietta and Chopin's timeless piano concerto to the vibrant theatrical rendition of 'The Three Musketeers,' Graz's upcoming cultural calendar offers a rich tapestry of sound and story. Conductors Ben Glassberg and Stefan Birnhuber, alongside distinguished performers like Ilya Shmukler and Xavier De Maistre, are ready to guide audiences through these evocative artistic landscapes. Let's dive into what awaits music lovers in Graz.

Exploring Graz's Diverse Musical Tapestry: An Insight into Upcoming Operatic and Orchestral Events

This concert program features three masterpieces that impressively reflect the diversity of the Romantic era. The program opens with Carl Maria von Weber's Symphony No. 1, which combines both vitality and melodic beauty. Richard Strauss's symphonic poem "Don Juan" transports the audience into a passionate world of heroic myth. The concert concludes with Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 7, an emotionally intense work that impressively reflects the expressive power of the Romantic era. Sebastian Weigle, General Music Director of the Frankfurt Opera from 2008 to 2023, leads the Graz Philharmonic through this fascinating program.

4th Music Association Concert

Stefaniensaal

A mixed ensemble of actors from the LebensGroß Theatre Academy and singers from Graz Opera embark on a fight for freedom and justice for all. The specially created adaptation of Ralph Benatzky’s revue operetta offers snappy sounds for gruelling battles and exciting emotions.

The Three Musketeers

Oper Graz

The exceptionally large brass ensemble (25 players!) in Leoš Janáček's Sinfonietta is just one of the special features of this concert. Perhaps this is why the five movements sound like film music and have been "sampled" in several television series and films—although not intended as such by the composer. The four-movement Les Eaux célestes (2023) by the French composer Camille Pépin also leaves a special aural impression with its open, enchanting form and colorful instrumentation. Under the direction of Ben Glassberg, the Graz Philharmonic will accompany pianist Ilya Shmukler, who was awarded first prize at the 2024 Concours Géza Anda, in Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1.

3rd Music Association Concert

2. Philharmonic Evening

Graz Congress

In fitting fashion, the orchestral concert series at the Graz Music Association begins with a world premiere of Marcus Nigsch's Festmusik (Festive Music). Not only are the Graz Philharmonic celebrating an anniversary this year, but the wonderful Stefaniensaal in the Graz Music Association is also celebrating its 140th anniversary! A perfect match between hall and orchestra, which once again ensures special listening moments in this concert. Lise de la Salle's interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 is followed by Richard Strauss's symphonic poem " Ein Heldenleben" (A Hero's Life) , with which Vassilis Christopoulos provides a counterpoint to the musical story of the anti-hero Till Eulenspiegel in this year's opening concert of the Graz Opera.

1st Music Association Concert

The end of the war, the return home and a fateful oath including human sacrifice. In his opera, which premiered in 1781, the 24-year-old Mozart explores the troubled soul of the war-wounded Cretan king Idomeneo in a tragic conflict of responsibility between raison d’état and private interests with dramatic intensity and new, exciting orchestral colours. In his production, director Philipp Westerbarkei examines the relationship between war and humanity.

Idomeneo

1st Philharmonic Soirée

5th Music Association Concert

3. Philharmonic Evening

With what is probably the most famous fragment in opera literature, four directing teams are presenting themselves for the first time at Graz Opera, immersing themselves in aesthetically completely different universes with very different artistic approaches – film animation, puppetry and choreographically moving bodies. In three episodes, dazzling worlds full of fantastic characters and events unfold. Always at the centre of the action as the protagonist and creator of the scenery: the poet himself.

Graz Philharmonic Orchestra

11 - 12 May, 2026

5th Music Association Concert

May 19, 2026

3. Philharmonic Evening

11 - 24 Jun, 2026

Hoffmann's Tales (The Tales of Hoffmann)

20 - 21 Apr, 2026

4th Music Association Concert

16 - 25 Apr, 2026

The Three Musketeers

Articles & News

Graz Philharmonic Orchestra