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Salzburg Festival Fires Artistic Director Markus Hinterhäuser

3/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Markus Hinterhäuser, artistic director of the Salzburg Festival, who has served the festival since 2007, was terminated on March 26, 2026 due to irreconcilable differences of opinion.
The board planned his tenure to last until 2031 and offered a transition through 2027, which Hinterhäuser did not accept.
Hinterhäuser will remain on leave until September 30 as the board seeks a provisional artistic director while pursuing a permanent successor.

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Story summary

Markus Hinterhäuser, artistic director of the Salzburg Festival, who has served the festival since 2007, was terminated on March 26, 2026 due to irreconcilable differences of opinion.
The board planned his tenure to last until 2031 and offered a transition through 2027, which Hinterhäuser did not accept.
Hinterhäuser will remain on leave until September 30 as the board seeks a provisional artistic director while pursuing a permanent successor.