Salzburg Advent Singing in the Large Festival Hall
The Salzburg Advent Singing at the Large Festival Hall is the flagship of Salzburg's Advent Singing events. Since 1946, audiences have been enchanted by old songs and music, alpine melodies and customs as well as scenic messages.
In 1946, the Salzburg singer, musician, and local historian Tobias Reiser invited friends and companions to a Christmas singing hour for the first time. The event gained popularity year by year and moved in 1950 to the Kaisersaal of the Salzburg Residenz, in 1952 to the Great Aula of the University of Salzburg, and in 1960 to the newly built Great Festival Hall, where it still takes place today. While initially singing and making music were the focus, later readings and dramatic presentations were also included in the program. The Salzburg Advent Singing in the Great Festival Hall attracts 36,000 visitors from 38 countries annually. With over 150 musicians, singers, actors, and shepherd children, the Advent scene is viewed from a new perspective each year.
The "Blind Shepherd" creates a narrative arc with his companions to the Advent events surrounding Mary and Joseph. He perceives much more with his heightened senses than the sighted around him, and – he sees above all with his heart. In an encounter with Mary and Joseph, he senses with his acute senses the prophesied birth of the Savior foretold by Isaiah. The Advent events take their course.
Duration of the performance: approximately 1.40 hours, no intermission.
Ticket service and further information: www.salzburgeradventsingen.at
