Wonderful music in a stunning location – the Innsbruck promenade concerts are back

Now in it's 31st year, the Innsbruck promenade concerts, to quote Innsbruck Tourism's Peter Paul Mölk, 'usher in the start of the cultural summer in the city'.

Held in a stunning, atmospheric location - the courtyard of the Hofburg palace in the heart of the old town - its combination of world class music with a breathtaking backdrop, makes the concert series a seasonal highlight for many.  

With tickets for the vast majority of concerts just 9€ for standing places and 12€ seated, it provides an opportunity to hear top quality symphonic music at affordable prices. 

After a 'soft' opening on Friday the 3rd July, on Saturday, I attended the official opening night as a guest of my sister-in-law, managing director Maria Barwick, with Maria's boyfriend Noah and father Justin also there to show support and enjoy the music. 

With a crowd of close to a thousand having gathered (there are 700 seats and around 400 places available for people to stand) the evening kicked off with speeches from the organisers and dignitaries, including Innsbruck mayor Johannes Anzengruber.

Following the speeches it was time for the music, which was provided by the Sinfonisches Blasorchester Tirol (Tirolean Symphonic Brass Orchestra), conducted by the Innsbruck promenade concerts Artistic Director Bernhard Schlögl.

All the music was fanatastic but a particular highlight for me was the orchestra's rendition of sections from the soundtrack to the film Far and Away (a movie I've never seen which is said to be pretty rubbish). The music, by legendary film composer John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws etc) is absolutely joyous though. 

The warmth and clear skies helped but there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening and when the sun went down behind the mountains the full drama of the location comes into sharp focus. The Hofburg courtyard is a special place anyway but to be there listening to the stirring sounds provided by the orchestra made it even more so. 

Everyone left with smiles on their faces. I exited the courtyard with the belief that anyone spending time in Innsbruck in July who doesn't enjoy a night at 'The Proms' is truly missing out. 

The Innsbruck Promenade Concerts run until July 30th. Concerts start at 19:30 and an hour after the start, disounted tickets can be bought at the entrance.

Ten free tickets per evening are available at the Box Office on presentation of a valid 'Welcome Card' or 'Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur Pass'. 

Cancellations due to the weather are extremely rare so bring ponchos and umbrellas if it's raining!

Get your tickets here.