Neubert plans measured changes at Grafenegg festival

Johannes Neubert, Grafenegg’s new artistic director, plans to add concert formats from 2027 while building on the festival’s existing success, he told ORF. He took up the role on October 1, succeeding Rudolf Buchbinder, who had led its programme and direction since the annual festival began in 2007.

Neubert is returning to Grafenegg, where he was involved in the organisation’s founding as managing director. He later worked abroad, most recently as operational managing director of the Orchestre National de France and Radio France.

Neubert said he wanted to develop what had worked well rather than make a sharp break with the past. He plans to present his first season’s programme soon. From 2027, additional formats will complement the large symphonic concerts.

The newly opened Rudolf Buchbinder Hall, which is suited to chamber music, will provide another performance space alongside the Wolkenturm open-air venue and the Auditorium concert hall. Neubert said chamber music would take on a greater role, with concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as late-night performances after the main concerts on Saturdays.

Neubert said Grafenegg would have to manage with the same or slightly lower budgets while maintaining the quality and quantity of its programme. He described the festival as a successful flagship for Lower Austria. Its partnership with the Metternich family has been extended until 2070.