A Bridge between Festival Tradition and Club Aesthetics

»We want to translate Wagner’s sound worlds into a modern context – I envision an urban, technoid, dub-infused sound that will be dark and mysterious – much like Wagner’s reinterpreted stories of the medieval Nibelungenlied,« says Anja Schneider. The Felsenreitschule will once again serve as the ideal location for the electro evening – the same stage on which director Kirill Serebrennikov’s new production of the »Ring of the Nibelung«, beginning with »Das Rheingold«, will open the 2026 festival.

This space is intended to become an immersive, holistic experience in combination with Schneider’s DJ set and the visuals by Sven Marquardt. To this end, the Berlin-based photographer has created works especially for the project which—dark and atmospheric like the sound—are meant to make Wagner newly tangible. »What particularly appeals to me is building a bridge between festival tradition and club aesthetics,« says Marquardt, whose work has always been shaped by his fascination with the theme of »Night«.

After more than 50 years, the Salzburg Easter Festival repositioned itself in 2023—presenting contemporary dance and electronic music for the first time. The opening was marked by DJ legend Westbam with »Westbam meets Wagner«, which thrilled the press: »Standing ovations! Pure Wagner bliss!« reported Die Welt. In 2024, British sound innovator Max Cooper followed with his immersive show »Seme«, and in 2025, ALMA. and Milk&Sugar captivated audiences with »Wounds & Wonders«. Regarding the festival’s new electronic branch, Kronen Zeitung wrote: »From daring experiment to a guide into the future of the Salzburg Easter Festival.« The festival not only opened up thematically but also reached new audiences—thanks to affordable ticket prices.