Bayreuth Easter Festival

Young Musicians, Historic Setting

The Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012 — a preserved original example of German Baroque theatre from the 18th century. It is precisely here that the Bayreuth Easter Festival has been held since 1995: the concert series of the International Young Orchestra Academy (IJOA), a cultural and social foundation that brings together musicians from around the world in Bayreuth, Selb, and Jena around Easter time.

Concept of the IJOA

• Young Musicians from Around the World: The IJOA annually gathers musicians of international origin who develop a program together through workshops and rehearsals.
• Charity Aspect: The festival has a distinct social mission — proceeds benefit social projects, traditionally for sick children.
• Three Venues: Bayreuth (Margravial Opera House), Selb, and Jena (Volkshaus) are visited annually.
• Artistic Direction: Prof. Erich Rinner has shaped the festival musically for years.

State and Cultural Context

Bavaria, Upper Franconia administrative region, independent city of Bayreuth. Bayreuth is the Wagner city — the festival determines the international perception of the city. But Bayreuth also has a rich baroque tradition, honored as World Heritage in the Margravial Opera House. The Bayreuth Easter Festival utilizes this second, lesser-known pillar of Bayreuth's musical culture — and the Margravial Opera House, with its 500 seats and historic acoustics, is one of Germany's special concert halls.