Dear music lovers,

Humanity is at a turning point, with previous perceptions we stand powerless before the challenges of the present. At this turning point, new perspectives and values are needed. The main theme of the 44th Allegro Vivo Festival is therefore "Momentum". We dedicate ourselves to the importance of our most precious resource: time. "It does not pass more quickly today than in the past, but we pass it more hurriedly," said George Orwell. Through music, this symbol of transience encounters eternity.

The entire Waldviertel will be made to resound in over 50 concerts. We start our seven-year cycle of "Encounters with our Neighbors" with Switzerland this time, as the programmatic arc stretches from the opening with Daniel Schnyder's commissioned work to the closing concert with Ernest Bloch's Concerto grosso. Dmitri Shostakovich dedicated his Chamber Symphony to the victims of war and fascism, and also the program in Harmannsdorf Castle is particularly relevant: it was here that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner wrote her novel "Lay Down Your Arms!"

A hearty welcome to you all!

Vahid Khadem-Missagh
Artistic Director