Lehár Festival
The charm of the operetta genre in Bad Ischl
Like the members of the imperial family, the stars of the golden days of operetta also spent their summer holidays in Bad Ischl, so what could be more natural than to create an operetta festival here?
Founded in 1961, the festival was named after the composer Franz Lehár in 2004 by the then new managing director and artistic director, Dr. Michael Lackner. Lehár, a fixed star in the musical sky since the success of the "Merry Widow" (1905), spent many years in Bad Ischl, where he is also buried. Many of his world successes were created in his villa on the banks of the Traun River opposite the Goldenes Schiff hotel.
Venue
Every year the festival spreads the charm of the operetta genre and delights its audience with new productions of popular classics.
The Lehár Festival Bad Ischl has several venues, which we would like to introduce to you briefly here.
Congress & Theater house
The congress & theater house is located in the middle of the Kurpark. Spacious rooms, but above all the flower-lined paths of the Kurpark, invite you to rediscover the ancient art of pleasure walking.
The Theater Hall
The two main plays are presented in the theater hall of the congress & theater house. The first floor has a capacity for 550 spectators and is built up in steps from the 13th row, so that a clear view of the stage is guaranteed from all seats.
In addition, the hall has 2 galleries with 126 (1st gallery), respectively 73 (2nd gallery) audience seats. The orchestra pit is located in the retractable forestage.
The stage is 262 m² in size and is equipped with a professional lighting and sound system.
