Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) was still trying to “get a grip on myself during the day because of the malpractice surrounding Mayor Klaus Luger. I am astonished. Firstly, the law was broken and secondly, untruths were told. I would never accuse a political competitor of that, so what I read and hear shocks me.”
And “yes,” Stelzer could rule out the awarding of positions in the state along similar lines.
The fact that all of this is happening in 2024 around Anton Bruckner’s 200th birthday on September 4th and the Bruckner Festival starting on that day is more than regrettable. The state had coordinated well with the municipal Brucknerhaus for the celebrations. Stelzer continues to offer “every form of cooperation to quickly restore the reputation and standing of the house”.
“Put art back in the spotlight”
How could the state help? Stelzer: “To do everything possible to put art back at the center. We already had a precarious phase at the Brucknerhaus around the dismissal of the artistic director, during which we managed to restore the audience’s trust through a lot of activity and musical quality.”
Could Stelzer imagine possibly taking over the city’s Brucknerhaus into the country’s cultural institutions – perhaps for a symbolic euro? “We will not take advantage of the city’s predicament.” Nevertheless, the house needs to reorganize itself, “it needs new leadership of the supervisory board and new artistic direction – whether this all leads to more cooperation or closer integration, our doors are open to that,” says Stelzer. “The cooperation with our Bruckner Orchestra and the employees in the house is going well – we have to get through this special situation together.”
Should Klaus Luger resign? Stelzer: “Everyone has their own standards, but I know what I have to do.”
