Musikschule Linz Open-Air Concerts: Classical and Pop Hits

Musikschule Linz will host two free open-air concerts at OK-Platz on June 18 and 19 to conclude the school year. The events, titled Klassik Open Air and City Open Air, feature student performances ranging from classical masterpieces to modern rock and pop, according to school organizers.

What is the schedule for the Musikschule Linz events?

The Klassik Open Air begins Thursday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. at OK-Platz. Ingo Ingensand will conduct the Symphonische Orchester der Musikschule Linz and the “Voices for Classic” choir, with Albert Hosp moderating the evening.

The program includes works by Rimski-Korsakow (“Flight of the Bumblebee”), Morricone (“Gabriel’s Oboe”), Katchaturian (“Saber Dance”), Verdi (“Chorus of the Slaves”), Piazzolla (“Libertango”), and Mikis Theodorakis (“Zorba’s Dance”). If weather conditions worsen, the event will move to the Palais Kaufmännischer Verein.

Who is performing at the City Open Air?

The City Open Air takes place Friday, June 19, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at OK-Platz. Ten bands and ensembles will perform a mix of pop, rock, jazz, and classic rock, moderated by Thomas Mandel.

Featured acts include the United Voices choir, Bas’n Street Band, Drum&Brass, Feelsaitig, Vintage Factory Jam, and the youth orchestra. In the event of bad weather, this performance will relocate to the Central Landstraße.

Did You Know? The City Open Air features a diverse lineup of ten different bands and ensembles performing across four distinct genres: pop, rock, jazz, and classic rock.

Why are these concerts significant for the city?

Musikschule Director Christian Denkmaier stated the events showcase a “great range of musical variety and expressive power” as the school year ends. These performances serve as a public demonstration of the students’ progress.

Kultur-Stadträtin Doris Lang-Mayerhofer noted that the concerts illustrate the “engagement, skill, and enthusiasm” present in Linz’s musical education. She stated that the school helps young people discover and develop talents while contributing to the city’s cultural diversity and social cohesion.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition of both a chief conductor and a school director represents a significant shift in institutional leadership. Such changes could lead to a new artistic direction or a shift in administrative priorities for the school’s future curricula.

What changes are coming to the music school’s leadership?

The upcoming concerts mark a transition period for the institution. Ingo Ingensand is set to step down as the chief conductor of the music school orchestra.

Ensembles der Musikschule Linz spielen "Christmas Pop"

Additionally, Director Christian Denkmaier is approaching retirement, which will eventually end his tenure as the head of the Musikschule Linz. These departures suggest the school may soon undergo a period of leadership succession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the concerts located?
Both events will take place at OK-Platz, with alternative indoor venues scheduled for bad weather.

How much are the tickets?
Admission is free for both days with open seating available.

What genres of music will be played?
The program covers classical music on Thursday and a mix of pop, rock, jazz, and classic rock on Friday.

Which of these musical genres do you think best reflects the cultural spirit of a modern city?