Musical July in the Hofburg – the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts

For decades, the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts have been part of the summer in the city. Magnificent ambience, a varied program and inexpensive admission are part of the charm of the series.

You wouldn't think it, but the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts have been around for more than 25 years. first held in 1994 by Alois Schöpf in the Innsbruck district of Saggen, the concert series soon moved to the courtyard of the imperial Hofburg in the old town. The Hofburg was the seat of the Tyrolean sovereigns and the residence of various Habsburgs.

It comprises about 400 rooms and 30 private apartments. A magnificent building, built by the Habsburgs, in the heart of the city. The building complex is directly connected with the former noble ladies' convent (Stiftskeller), the Silver Chapel and the Court Church (Schwarzmander Church). Furthermore, with the Folk Art Museum and the Faculty of Theology. On the north or northeast side adjoin the former Ballhaus(Congress) and the Court Garden.

The courtyard is accessed via the southern gate. In addition to a magnificent ambience, it offers excellent acoustics. There is hardly anything more beautiful than enjoying a jazz concert or an orchestral performance here on a mild summer evening.

in2019, Innsbruck music educator and conductor Bernhard Schlögl took over the artistic direction of the tradition-rich music series. He aired the program and since then has been focusing on symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles in addition to brass music. In addition, there are promising (young) specialized formations.

The following year, Christiane Mayr joined as managing director. July is a wedding month for Christiane Mayr: one, sometimes two, concerts a day for a month, and this year a total of 37 concerts need to be managed. The cultural manager is responsible for the set-up, the organization and the running of the events and is therefore more or less at home in the Hofburg during this time.

She always keeps an eye on the sky above Innsbruck. After all, there are performances in all weathers. But it only gets really crowded when it's not raining. After a break in 2020 due to the corona and restrictions in 2021, the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts will take place this year for the first time without any restrictions. A celebration, as Mayr emphasizes.

The Promenade Concerts 2022 are a celebration. Because: "The inner courtyard is once again a place of encounter. The bar is open and people can spontaneously go to the concert," Christiane Mayr is pleased to say. For those planning for the longer term, subscribers and die-hard fans, tickets are available in advance with seat reservations. However, a certain contingent is available for evening sales, plus standing room and counting tickets.

A combination, which gives it this year for the first time in this form - and very well received, so Mayr. Those who stroll through the alleys of the old town often get to try on tickets - and can spontaneously decide to go to the concert.

After all, one of the advantages of this series is that there is no dress code, the atmosphere is relaxed. Just down from the mountain? For a summer splash or an ice cream in the old town? - Nothing stands in the way of a concert visit - not even mountain boots or flip-flops.

The fact that after 25 years of free admission, you now have to pay five euros per concert doesn't bother anyone. Because that's not much more than a cappuccino costs, or an iced coffee, or the aforementioned summer splash. In return, you get first-class music from top-class international formations.

The Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra plays at the Promenade Concerts, as does the Ensemble of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra(July 15), the Female Symphonic Orchestra Austria(July 13) or the Saxon Wind Philharmonic Orchestra(July 21).

These highlights will be joined by others such as the United States Marine Band (24.07.), which usually frames the appearances of the US president. And, of course, there are brass bands, such as the R.E.T. Brass Band(07/18) or the Brass Band Fröschl Hall(07/27).

"There is something for everyone, and the concerts are absolutely affordable," emphasizes the cultural manager. And so the regular audience is joined daily by numerous strollers who spontaneously buy a ticket. With this deliberately low-threshold approach, the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts make it possible for anyone interested to enjoy music at a high level.

"The Promenade Concerts are not comparable with other events. For over 25 years they have stood for the music country Tyrol, Austria, have stood for Innsbruck," says Mayr. Bernhard Schlögl and they make sure it stays that way.

For the program of the Innsbruck Promenade Concerts, click here; for the extensive cultural program in summer, click here.

Photos, unless otherwise indicated: © Innsbruck Promenade Concerts