Event Details
Welcome to the Salzburg Whitsun Festival 2027
From 14 to 17 May 2027 (Whitsun weekend), Salzburg once again becomes the stage for one of Europe's most renowned opera festivals. The Salzburg Whitsun Festival was founded in 1973 by Herbert von Karajan as a compact companion to the Summer Festival; since 2012, artistic direction has rested with mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli. The official 2027 program, including theme, operas and concerts, is typically announced by the Salzburg Festival in late autumn of the previous year.
Highlights
- Four day opera and concert festival over the Whitsun weekend
- Artistic direction by Cecilia Bartoli
- Performances in the historic venues of the Salzburg Festival district
- Historically informed interpretations with internationally cast ensembles
- A more compact and less crowded alternative to the Summer Festival
- Program theme and cast for 2027 to be announced ahead of the festival
Program
The Whitsun Festival's program traditionally spans the Großes Festspielhaus, the Haus für Mozart and the Felsenreitschule, typically featuring one staged opera production, a second concert or semi staged opera, a matinee and a gala evening with Cecilia Bartoli. For 2027, the festival has already confirmed the venue and dates (14 to 17 May); the detailed program with works, cast and performance times will be published at a later date. Based on past editions, evening performances usually start between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
Tickets
Tickets for the Whitsun Festival are sold through the Salzburg Festival website and at the box office on Herbert von Karajan Platz 11. Based on previous years, single ticket prices typically start at around 19 euros, with the most sought after seats reaching several hundred euros depending on category and production. Subscriptions usually open a few months before the festival.
Visitor Tips
- Check the official Salzburg Festival website regularly once the 2027 program is released.
- Book tickets early, as the Whitsun Festival, a more compact edition of the Summer Festival, has historically sold out quickly.
- Salzburg is noticeably less crowded at Whitsun than during the Summer Festival in July and August.
- Formal evening attire is recommended for many performances.
- The box office (Wiener Philharmoniker Gasse 3) is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
