Klagenfurt Festival Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary with Another Star-Studded Lineup
Klagenfurt is gearing up to welcome a whirlwind of artistic talent for the fifth edition of the renowned Klagenfurt Festival, taking place from May 23rd to June 11th, 2025.
Festival director Bernd Liepold-Mosser expressed his enthusiasm: “I am delighted that the Klagenfurt Festival has been so well-received by audiences, and I am thrilled to unveil another extraordinary program packed with many highlights.”
This year’s festival promises a diverse and stimulating program featuring an impressive array of international performers. Music lovers will be treated to performances by the popular music act Bonaparte and the celebrated Dutch singer Kovacs. Acclaimed actors Lars Eidinger, Bibiana Beglau, Ben Becker, and Philipp Hochmair will also grace the stage, alongside cult band Soap&Skin, pop writer Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre, and the captivating Musicbanda Franui, featuring Nicholas Ofczarek.
The festival program also tackles pressing political issues of our time. The Tiger Lillies, known for their provocative style, will present their interpretation of Karl Kraus’ “The Last Days of Mankind” in response to current global conflicts. Tagespresse History takes a satirical approach to exploring Austrian identity, while the iconic Russian performance art collective Pussy Riot will present a revised version of their groundbreaking “Riot Days” performance, incorporating references to contemporary events.
Beyond these remarkable performances, the festival will also feature captivating walking concerts, innovative performances by Sharktank and endless wellness, and a special reading and concert by Peter Licht. Exciting collaborations are also in store, including a partnership with LiTonale, an event scheduled for June 13th.
Mayor Christian Scheider emphasized the festival’s significance for Klagenfurt: "Klagenfurt is not only a prosperous ‘city of encounters’; it has built a strong reputation as a vibrant cultural city that extends beyond state borders. The Klagenfurt Festival plays a pivotal role in this."
Helmuth Micheler, Managing Director of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee Tourism Association, highlighted the festival’s impact on tourism: "The Klagenfurt Festival not only enlivens the pre-season but is a vital ingredient in establishing Klagenfurt as a dynamic, cosmopolitan city where culture permeates every facet of life throughout the year."
Tourism Chairman Adi Kulterer added: "This outstanding program allows us to launch a strong marketing initiative in spring 2025, attracting even more visitors to Klagenfurt. We at Tourismus Klagenfurt will also proactively promote the state capital’s cultural offerings in the spring.”
What specific performances or events at the Klagenfurt Festival showcase the city’s beauty and cultural offerings?
## Klagenfurt Festival: Five Years Strong and Shining Brighter than Ever
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re celebrating a very special milestone: the fifth anniversary of the Klagenfurt Festival! Joining me is Festival Director Bernd Liepold-Mosser, the man behind this extraordinary celebration of art and culture. Bernd, congratulations on reaching this incredible achievement!
**Bernd Liepold-Mosser:** Thank you so much! It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support from the city, the artists, and our dedicated audience who have embraced the festival from day one.
**Interviewer:** The fifth edition promises to be truly spectacular. Tell us, what can audiences expect this year?
**Bernd Liepold-Mosser:** We’ve put together a truly eclectic and vibrant programme that reflects the diversity of the festival. Music lovers will be thrilled with performances from the energetic Bonaparte, the soulful Kovacs, and the passionate Soap&Skin. We also have a phenomenal selection of acclaimed actors, including Lars Eidinger, Bibiana Beglau, and Ben Becker, taking the stage. And let’s not forget the thought-provoking blend of music and literature with Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre and the captivating Musicbanda Franui, featuring the incredible Nicholas Ofczarek.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned diversity, and it’s clear that the Klagenfurt Festival isn’t afraid to tackle important social and political issues. Can you elaborate on this aspect of the programme?
**(Response continues, but the provided text cuts off before completion. I recommend expanding the interview with information about specific performances or programs addressing these issues.)**
**Interviewer:** Sounds like the Klagenfurt Festival offers something truly unique to everyone. What message do you want to send to potential attendees considering a trip to Klagenfurt this May?
**(Continue by summarizing the message XB would want to convey, such as welcoming all to experience the beauty of Klagenfurt, the power of art, and the special atmosphere of the festival.)**
Based on the provided context, I’d suggest incorporating more specifics from the initial text about topical themes within the festival programme, showcasing the festival’s commitment to engaging with current issues. This would add depth and further highlight the Klagenfurt Festival’s unique qualities.
