To fill the actors' and singers' lengthy periods of "unemployment", the ingenious theater director, Max Reinhardt, had the ambitious plan to have his summer performances played in Salzburg by the best professionals in all of Europe.
As a result he attained a supreme artistic level of performance and the world suddently found it a matter of course to meet in Salzburg during the summer. In addition to Reinhardt, two other renowned masters were responsible for the birth of the Salzburg Festival: the composer Richard Strauss and the poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal. The latter also determined the basic philosophy of their new venture:
Operas and plays, both to be of the highest quality. Salzburg is devoted to the world's classical legacy. The belief in Europe is the foundation of our spiritual existence. In searching for Mozart's love of purity and beauty, we intend to provide high-class entertainment. Peace of mind is what we long to bring. In the following 75 years the Salzburg Festival has developed into an internationally recognized theatrical institution. From the latter part of July until the end of August approximately 170 performances are given for some 220,000 spectators. In addition to the great classical operas and dramas, the notable work of our century is presented each year. The musical productions perform a mixture of great works from our cultural heritage and outstanding contemporary music.
