Just in: Salzburg Festival names Karin Bergmann as interim artistic director after Hinterhäuser’s departure

The Salzburg Festival has named Karin Bergmann as interim artistic director, following the recent departure of Markus Hinterhäuser.

According to ORF, the decision was taken unanimously by the festival’s supervisory board, with Bergmann assuming the role with immediate effect. She is expected to remain in the position until a permanent appointment is made, reportedly by autumn 2027.

Bergmann will oversee the festival’s artistic direction during this transitional period and is also expected to take on broader responsibilities within the organisation. A press conference with festival president Kristina Hammer and executive director Lukas Crepaz has been announced.

A sudden departure

The appointment follows the abrupt exit of Hinterhäuser in late March. The festival announced that both parties had agreed to part ways with immediate effect, citing “irreconcilable differences of opinion and disagreements,” despite his contract running until September 2026.

The decision left the festival without artistic leadership just months before the opening of its 106th edition, scheduled for 17 July to 30 August 2026. While the programme for this year’s festival has already been finalised, the situation has raised questions about the institution’s internal governance and future direction.

Reactions from within the classical music world have begun to emerge. Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja described Hinterhäuser as “the soul” of the festival in a Facebook post, criticising the decision to remove him with immediate effect.

Interim leadership

Bergmann, a former director of the Salzburg Festival, returns to the organisation in a moment of transition. In initial remarks reported by ORF, she acknowledged the responsibility of the role and expressed respect for Hinterhäuser’s artistic work, while emphasising the importance of continuity, reliability and trust.

The appointment is intended as an interim solution while the festival prepares an international search for a new artistic director. Recruitment procedures for the permanent position are expected to begin in the coming weeks.