culture
Music theatre with international appeal
Tiroler Festspiele Erl
When the sun sets behind the Kaiser Mountains in summer and the first notes resonate from the festival hall, it becomes clear why the Tiroler Festspiele Erl are considered one of Austria’s most distinctive music festivals. Since 1997, the festival has combined outstanding musical performances with an Alpine setting, attracting opera enthusiasts from around the world to the small Tyrolean village of Erl.
The programme is ambitious, ranging from works by Mozart and Verdi to contemporary productions, chamber concerts and educational formats. Performances take place three times a year – during the summer and winter seasons, as well as at Easter. Since 2024, the festival’s artistic direction has been shaped by renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann as artistic director, with a clear focus on the highest musical quality without elitist pretensions.
Two exceptional venues
Visible from afar, the two striking venues shape the character of Erl.
The Festspielhaus Erl, designed by the Vienna-based firm Delugan Meissl Architects, is an architectural statement. Its black, cubic façade forms a deliberate contrast to the surrounding mountain landscape and houses one of Austria’s acoustically finest concert halls.
Directly adjacent stands the Passionsspielhaus Erl, which has been a landmark of the community since 1959. The simple timber structure, with its open and inviting atmosphere, provides a distinctive setting for music theatre. What both venues share is exceptional acoustics and an atmosphere that allows music to be experienced with particular intensity.
14 kilometres from Kufstein – and yet a different world
Erl is just a 15-minute drive from Kufstein. Only around 14 kilometres separate you from a distinctive cultural experience in the Tyrolean lowlands. Our reception team will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding travel arrangements, tickets and your visit to an event.
EVENTS AT THE TIROLER FESTSPIELE ERL 2026/27
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH – CHRISTMAS ORATORIO
When: Sunday, 6 December 2026 | Concert starts at 11:00 am
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: With Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl continue their cherished tradition of opening the winter season with this festive masterpiece. Under the direction of rising conductor Julius Zeman, soloists Alina Wunderlin, Anita Monserrat, Manuel Günther and Michael Nagl join the Orchestra and Choir of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl for a memorable musical experience. A wonderful way to celebrate the Advent season at the Festspielhaus Erl.
GIUSEPPE VERDI – NABUCCO (CONCERT PERFORMANCE)
When: Sunday, 13 December 2026 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: With Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl present a special highlight of their winter season. The opera that brought Verdi international recognition remains closely connected to Italian history. Under the musical direction of Asher Fisch, Gabriele Viviani in the title role and Anastasia Bartoli as Abigaile join other international soloists and the Orchestra and Choir of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl for a concert performance of this celebrated operatic work.
A FARMER NAMED VERDI – FAMILY CONCERT
When: Sunday, 20 December 2026 | Concert starts at 4:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: Was Giuseppe Verdi really a farmer? This intriguing question sets the scene for an entertaining family concert at the Tiroler Festspiele Erl. Through lively storytelling and a staged performance, audiences discover the life of the famous Italian opera composer, from his childhood in the village of Le Roncole to influential figures such as Giuseppina Strepponi and Giulio Ricordi. Under the musical direction of Asher Fisch, music, theatre and fascinating insights into the world of Italian opera come together to create a memorable concert experience for the whole family.
GIUSEPPE VERDI – LA TRAVIATA (OPERA)
When: Sunday, 27 December 2026 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, 30 December 2026 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Sunday, 3 January 2027 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, 5 January 2027 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: Following the great success of the concert performances in summer 2025, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl now bring Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata to the stage in a fully staged production. At the heart of the opera is the moving story of the courtesan Violetta Valéry and her tragic love for Alfredo Germont. Internationally acclaimed director Mariame Clément explores not only the personal story of the two lovers but also the social constraints that shape Violetta’s life. Under the musical direction of Asher Fisch, audiences can look forward to an impressive production of this world-famous opera.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT – MARIA AGRESTA
When: Thursday, 31 December 2026 | Concert starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: The Tiroler Festspiele Erl bid farewell to 2026 with a festive opera concert. Internationally acclaimed soprano Maria Agresta presents a varied programme featuring works by Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Accompanied by the Orchestra of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl under the musical direction of Italian conductor Riccardo Frizza, audiences can look forward to a memorable end to the year, filled with magnificent voices and moving opera melodies.
NEW YEAR’S CONCERT 2027
When: Friday, 1 January 2027 | Concert starts at 11:00 am
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: The Tiroler Festspiele Erl welcome 2027 with a festive New Year’s Concert. Musical director Bomsori Kim returns after her successful debut, taking the podium to conduct the Orchestra of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl. She is joined by acclaimed violinist Giuseppe Gibboni, winner of the prestigious Paganini Competition in 2021. A varied programme featuring works by Johann Strauss, Franz von Suppè, Jules Massenet and Pablo de Sarasate promises a lively yet elegant musical start to the new year.
GAETANO DONIZETTI – ANNA BOLENA (CONCERT PERFORMANCE)
When: Saturday, 2 January 2027 | Opera starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: With Gaetano Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl present one of the great masterpieces of Italian bel canto opera. The work tells the tragic story of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, whose rise and fall Donizetti transformed into deeply moving music. In this concert performance, soprano Marigona Qerkezi takes on the demanding title role, joined by Aigul Akhmetshina as Giovanna Seymour. Under the musical direction of Riccardo Frizza, the Orchestra and Chorus of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl bring the opera to life in an evening of dramatic intensity and exceptional vocal artistry.
DETECTIVE FLUNKE AND THE VILLAINS (CHILDREN’S CONCERT)
When: Monday, 4 January 2027 | Concerts start at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm | Duration: approx. 45 minutes each
Where: Small Hall, Festspielhaus Erl
Description: A musical mystery for young concertgoers: when four cunning villains encounter Detective Flunke, excitement, humour and plenty of music are guaranteed. Together with the audience, the detective sets out to uncover the secrets behind an unusual musical collaboration. Along the way, the sounds of different instruments and the joy of making music together take centre stage. An imaginative and entertaining children’s concert featuring music by Murat Üstün, introducing young audiences to the wonderful world of music in a playful way.
FRANUI – ORIGINAL AND FAKE (SPECIAL)
When: Monday, 4 January 2027 | Concert starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: Pianist Herbert Schuch and the Musicbanda Franui present an extraordinary concert programme at the Tiroler Festspiele Erl, creatively exploring the boundaries between original compositions and musical arrangements. Following their successful collaboration at the Ausklang Festival in 2025, the musicians continue their musical journey together. The programme brings together original classical works and Franui’s imaginative reinterpretations, offering surprising new perspectives on familiar music. An evening that combines musical tradition with a spirit of experimentation and fresh soundscapes.
EPIPHANY CONCERT – BEETHOVEN & TCHAIKOVSKY (CONCERT)
When: Wednesday, 6 January 2027 | Concert starts at 11:00 am
Where: Festspielhaus Erl
Description: The Tiroler Festspiele Erl mark the beginning of the year with a festive Epiphany Concert. Under the baton of Asher Fisch, the Orchestra of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl presents two outstanding works from the classical repertoire. The concert opens with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Alessandro Taverna as soloist. This is followed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, the celebrated “Pathétique”. An impressive concert morning combining virtuoso piano performance with the emotional depth of great symphonic music.
YOUR HOTEL FOR THE TIROLER FESTSPIELE ERL
Combine your visit to the Tiroler Festspiele Erl with a relaxing stay at Hotel Stadt Kufstein. Situated in a peaceful yet central location in the heart of Kufstein, our hotel is the ideal base for memorable concerts, operas and cultural experiences in nearby Erl.
An added convenience: Kufsteinerland offers a complimentary shuttle service for selected events at the Tiroler Festspiele Erl. The shuttle stop is located directly by our hotel, allowing you to travel comfortably to the festival and return to Kufstein afterwards. Meanwhile, your vehicle can be parked in one of the designated hotel parking spaces in the underground car park, which also offers electric vehicle charging stations.
Shuttle Service Information & Reservations
Discover the unique atmosphere of the historic fortress town of Kufstein and the many attractions of the surrounding Kufsteinerland region. From outdoor adventures and sporting activities to peaceful moments of relaxation, the area offers wonderful opportunities throughout the year to combine cultural experiences with a well-deserved break.
In the morning, enjoy our generous hotel breakfast buffet featuring organic produce, complemented by freshly prepared breakfast specialities made à la minute – the perfect start to a relaxing day.
Our elephant Kufstein Lounge adds further culinary variety to your stay. Enjoy à la carte breakfast until 1:00 pm, our Business Lunch with a vegetarian alternative, sweet and savoury afternoon treats, as well as selected drinks and fine bar food in our hotel bar – all during the respective opening and service hours.
Whether you are staying for one night or planning a longer visit, reserve your room in good time and enjoy a memorable combination of music, culture and relaxation in Kufstein.