Aveline Kirana
The Kissinger Sommer festival, a cornerstone of Germany’s cultural landscape, is poised to celebrate its 40th anniversary under the dynamic artistic direction of Alexander Steinbeis. Since assuming leadership in April 2021, succeeding Kari Kahl-Wolfsjäger and Tilman Schlömp, Steinbeis has embarked on a mission to not only honor the festival’s rich history but also to propel it into a future marked by innovation and profound cultural reflection. His tenure, following an illustrious 13-year stint as managing director of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO Berlin), brings a wealth of experience in artistic planning, program development, and fostering collaborative relationships with world-renowned conductors and musicians.
Steinbeis’s background is deeply rooted in the international classical music scene. Prior to his impactful role at the DSO Berlin, where he was instrumental in introducing numerous innovative concert formats and collaborating with luminaries such as Kent Nagano, Ingo Metzmacher, Tugan Sokhiev, and Robin Ticciati, he served as assistant artistic administrator for the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1999 to 2005. His formative years, spent growing up in Upper Bavaria and Great Britain, have undoubtedly shaped his broad cultural perspective, a quality that now permeates the programming of the Kissinger Sommer. In a recent conversation with OperaWire, Steinbeis offered insights into the festival’s enduring significance, its thematic choices, and his vision for its continued evolution.
The Enduring Spirit of Kissinger Sommer: Resilience in Turbulent Times
The genesis of the Kissinger Sommer festival in 1984 was itself a testament to resilience and strategic foresight. Situated near the former inner-German border, Bad Kissingen faced considerable economic and structural challenges during a period of geopolitical tension. The festival’s establishment, bolstered by financial support from the Federal Government, was a deliberate effort to revitalize the region and establish it as a beacon of cultural engagement. Today, while the nature of global challenges has shifted from geopolitical division to broader societal and economic uncertainties, the festival’s core mission remains: to offer solace, inspiration, and a vibrant platform for artistic excellence.
"Indeed, the festival’s origins were rooted in a complex geopolitical reality," Steinbeis explained. "Being situated on the border of West Germany, overshadowed by the Iron Curtain, Bad Kissingen faced significant structural and economic challenges. The decision to launch the festival with financial support from the Federal Government was a strategic move to revitalize the region. Of course, today’s challenges are of a different nature, but I am pleased to say that the festival is thriving. We are committed to bringing high-caliber performers and innovative formats to the city every summer. For us, it’s about more than just hosting concerts; it’s about creating a space where world-class artistry can surpass previous boundaries and offer something truly exceptional to our audience." This sentiment underscores the festival’s role as a vital cultural artery, providing both local enrichment and international appeal, even amidst contemporary global turbulence.
"Mazel Tov": A Tribute to Legacy and a Message of Remembrance
For its 40th anniversary edition, the Kissinger Sommer has adopted the poignant and celebratory theme, "Mazel Tov." This choice transcends a mere congratulatory toast; it serves as a profound acknowledgment of the deep and vibrant Jewish legacy that once characterized Bad Kissingen. Historically, until 1942, the city was home to one of Bavaria’s most significant and flourishing Jewish communities, a rich tapestry of culture and life that profoundly shaped the region.
"‘Mazel Tov’ serves as a special motto for our 40th anniversary," Steinbeis elaborated. "It is a celebratory toast to our milestone, but more importantly, it is a profound reflection on the Jewish legacy that once defined Bad Kissingen. Until 1942, this city was home to one of Bavaria’s most vibrant Jewish communities… We aim to bring the immense diversity of ‘Mosaic culture’ back to the sensory experience of our audience." This thematic choice is particularly resonant in the current global climate, marked by a distressing resurgence of antisemitism. The festival’s commitment to highlighting this historical contribution is a deliberate and powerful statement.
"Choosing ‘Mazel Tov’ today is also a conscious message," Steinbeis continued. "In a time where we witness a distressing rise in antisemitism, we believe a cultural festival must do more than just entertain. It must act as a guardian of memory, looking back at history and recognizing Jewish contribution as part of local identity." By weaving this historical narrative into the festival’s programming, Kissinger Sommer positions itself not just as an artistic event but as a platform for cultural preservation, education, and a strong ethical stance against intolerance.
Artistic and Managerial Evolution: From Orchestra Stewardship to Festival Curation
The transition from managing a long-standing symphony orchestra to leading a concentrated festival presents distinct artistic and managerial challenges and opportunities. Steinbeis, with his extensive experience at the DSO Berlin, brings a unique perspective to this shift.
"The fundamental difference lies in the rhythm and the scope of engagement," Steinbeis observed. "Running a top-league orchestra involves long-term stewardship of musicians, conductors, and a loyal subscriber base, following a structured cycle from September to June. In contrast, a festival takes place in a concentrated timeframe, which grants a broader audience and, crucially, more curatorial freedom to explore unconventional possibilities. After almost 14 deeply rewarding years with the DSO, I felt that for any institution or individual to remain artistically inspired, change is essential. At Kissinger Sommer, my mindset has shifted from maintaining a seasonal narrative to creating an intensive, immersive experience."
This shift highlights the unique nature of festival curation, which allows for a more focused, thematic approach and the potential for bolder artistic experimentation within a defined period. While his time with the DSO Berlin was immensely fulfilling, Steinbeis expressed a profound sense of accomplishment in his previous role. "I am proud of everything we managed to achieve during my time with the DSO. The Berlin orchestral scene is of course a fiercely competitive one, and the DSO always held a very special place in this tricky but also inspiring environment. Kissinger Sommer allows me to interact and work with a wider variety of artists and ensembles. I would not rank one above the other; it’s just a different kind of challenge." This perspective emphasizes his adaptability and his commitment to embracing diverse artistic endeavors.
Curating Excellence: Balancing Tradition and Discovery
The selection of orchestras and soloists for the Kissinger Sommer is a meticulous process, guided by a dual commitment to nurturing established relationships and fostering emerging talent. The festival prides itself on maintaining strong ties with esteemed ensembles such as the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bamberger Symphoniker, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which have become regular fixtures, contributing to a sense of continuity and reliability for its audience.
"On one hand, we maintain deep, enduring relationships with our loyal friends like the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bamberger Symphoniker, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra as regular fixtures," Steinbeis stated. "It is a true privilege to welcome conductors of the highest caliber – Manfred Honeck, Jakub Hrůša, Joana Mallwitz, Kent Nagano, and Sir Simon Rattle – back to our podiums year after year."
However, Steinbeis is equally dedicated to the discovery and promotion of the next generation of artists. "The second, equally vital part of my consideration is fostering the next generation. Our festival must be a platform for discovery." This balanced approach ensures that Kissinger Sommer remains a dynamic platform, celebrating both the established titans of classical music and the promising voices of the future.
A Vocal Tapestry: The Heart of the 40th Anniversary Program
The vocal programming for the 40th anniversary edition of Kissinger Sommer is particularly rich, reflecting the "Mazel Tov" theme and showcasing a diverse range of artistic expression. At the forefront of this celebratory offering is the return of the legendary Cecilia Bartoli, who makes her highly anticipated reappearance after a decade-long absence. Bartoli has curated three exclusive programs designed to showcase the breadth of her extraordinary artistry: a Baroque Gala, a Lied recital, and a semi-staged production of Gluck’s "Orfeo ed Euridice."
"At the heart of our vocal programming this year is, of course, Cecilia Bartoli," Steinbeis confirmed. "We are thrilled to welcome her back after a ten-year break. She has curated three distinct, exclusive programs that showcase the full spectrum of her artistry: an opening Baroque Gala, a Lied recital, and a crowning semi-staged production of Gluck’s ‘Orfeo ed Euridice.’ These performances will offer a close-up experience of her legendary vocal nuances that you simply cannot get in larger opera houses." The intimate setting of the Max-Littmann-Saal, with its warm cherry wood paneling, is described by Steinbeis as providing a unique level of intimacy that amplifies Bartoli’s performance. "For us, her resonance with Kissinger Sommer lies in her rare combination of intellectual rigor and generosity. She is an exceptionally intelligent singer who possesses an unparalleled mastery over her voice, but she is also keen on giving 150 percent of herself in every performance."
The vocal curation is intrinsically linked to the "Mazel Tov" anniversary theme, aiming to celebrate the significant Jewish contribution to the music that has shaped Bad Kissingen. This is exemplified by the Opera and Operetta Gala, featuring soprano Vera-Lotte Boecker and tenor Daniel Behle with the Münchner Rundfunkorchester, presenting arias and duets by composers who themselves had connections to Bad Kissingen.
Beyond operatic traditions, the festival delves into the realms of storytelling and cabaret, exploring a different facet of musical expression. Katharine Mehrling and Tilmar Kuhn present a musical portrait of Werner Richard Heymann, renowned for his unforgettable melodies and autobiographical readings. Meret Becker dedicates her performance to the iconic chanson singer Barbara, while Sharon Brauner and The Toy Goys revive passionate Yiddish evergreens.
The grand finale of the 40th-anniversary celebrations promises to be a monumental open-air performance of Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana" at the newly renovated Turnierplatz. This ambitious undertaking will be led by Sir Simon Rattle, conducting the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks (BRSO) and joined by over 500 singers from 12 different choruses, creating a spectacle of immense scale and artistic power.
Responding to a suggestion that a headline artist like Bartoli might offer something "fresher" for a 40th anniversary, Steinbeis defended the programming choice with conviction. "Cecilia Bartoli is one of the most important singers of several generations. I will happily hear her in any repertoire and was delighted when she came up with these three special programs which she hasn’t yet performed in Bad Kissingen. I think we can look forward to them very much." This statement reflects a deep respect for Bartoli’s artistry and a confidence in her ability to deliver exceptional performances regardless of the repertoire.
Fostering Contemporary Creation and Audience Engagement
Kissinger Sommer is not solely focused on historical reverence; it is also actively engaged in championing contemporary music. For over two decades, the festival has supported new works through its LiederWerkstatt, which this year specifically explores Jewish influences in song. This initiative features six newly commissioned works performed by a quartet of vocal soloists, presented alongside masterpieces by Mahler and Schoenberg, marking a significant commitment to new artistic creation. "This is absolutely unique," Steinbeis emphasized.
The festival’s audience profile has evolved significantly over the years. Historically, its focus on Central and Eastern Europe was more of an artistic and diplomatic bridge than a reflection of its visitor base. Today, the audience is a balanced "triad": approximately one-third are local residents from Bad Kissingen and the surrounding region, another third travel from within a 90-minute radius, and the final third comprises guests from across Germany and internationally. These international visitors are drawn not only by the world-class music but also by Bad Kissingen’s status as a UNESCO World Spa City, offering a sophisticated blend of cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and restorative natural resources.
Steinbeis’s aspirations for festival-goers are both ambitious and deeply rooted in the city’s identity. "My aspirations are both grounded and ambitious: I want to serve this UNESCO-listed city by drawing a vibrant, diverse audience, ensuring our festival remains a vital mirror of 21st-century society. We aren’t here to simply curate the familiar; we aim to challenge our listeners and remain unafraid of artistic risk." This vision positions the festival as a dynamic and forward-thinking cultural institution, unafraid to push artistic boundaries and engage with contemporary societal issues.
A Director’s Pride and Anticipation
When asked about the single concert he is most personally proud of and the one he anticipates the audience’s response to most keenly, Steinbeis reflects on the sheer scale of the undertaking. "We should talk again after the festival," he suggested. "Coming up with a season with over 80 events over almost six weeks is a tremendous undertaking, and every single concert counts."
However, he did express particular pride and anticipation for the grand finale. "I am proud, but I also have great respect for our open-air extravaganza with Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ with Sir Simon Rattle and the BRSO on July 12." This monumental performance, set against the backdrop of the newly renovated Turnierplatz, encapsulates the festival’s ambition to deliver unforgettable, large-scale artistic experiences that resonate deeply with its audience. The 40th anniversary of Kissinger Sommer, under Alexander Steinbeis’s thoughtful and visionary leadership, promises to be a landmark event, celebrating a rich past while boldly stepping into a future defined by artistic innovation, cultural reflection, and a steadfast commitment to the enduring power of music.
