Intendant Hinterhäuser is leaving the Salzburg Festival

The conflict between the long-standing artistic director of the Austrian festival and the supervisory board recently caused a stir in the cultural scene and in the media. The festival in Mozart’s birthplace is considered one of the most important high culture events in the world.

Differences between Hinterhäuser and the board of trustees, in which the festival’s public sponsors are represented, had apparently existed for a long time. Because in 2024 both sides had agreed on a so-called good conduct clause in the director’s contract. This was intended to regulate his behavior towards the management of the festival and towards others.

Communication error

In the past, Hinterhäuser admitted in an interview with the “Salzburger Nachrichten” that he was an “emotional, sometimes impulsive character”. The board of trustees recently announced that Hinterhäuser had violated the clause. The reason: When looking for a new head of the theater division, he had indicated his preferences for a candidate, even though she had not taken part in a hearing.

The director admitted communication errors at the end of February, but still wanted to remain director until 2031 as originally agreed. The differences could not be resolved in a final conversation between the festival lawyers, Hinterhäuser and his legal representation, the statement said. Hinterhäuser has not currently commented, but the announcement has been coordinated with him, according to the committee.

Hinterhäuser had directed the renowned Austrian festival for opera, concerts and theater since 2016 – with great artistic and economic success. He ensured high occupancy figures and high-profile names on stage. In the coming summer season in July and August, works by Nobel Prize winners in literature such as Peter Handke and Elfriede Jelinek will be premiered.

Who will follow?

In Salzburg, the course is already being set for the era after Hinterhäuser’s departure. According to the board of trustees, discussions are already underway with candidates for an interim directorship. And the permanent successor is also being prepared, it was said.

In recent weeks, media reports have frequently mentioned opera director Barrie Kosky as a possible successor. The former director of the Komische Oper Berlin has no comment on this, his management told the German Press Agency. Nikolaus Bachler, former director of the Bavarian State Opera and current director of the Salzburg Easter Festival, is also mentioned in the personnel speculation. Bachler said in an Easter Festival press conference on Wednesday that he was not concerned with this issue. “I really have nothing to do with it at the moment,” he said.