Domplatz Open-Air

With a touch of Scandinavian freshness and the magic of late summer: the Domplatz Open-Air will be entering its fourth round in 2026, and we will be celebrating 40 years of St. Pölten as the provincial capital! Against the impressive backdrop of St. Pölten Cathedral, the Festspielhaus sends its resident orchestra, the Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich, under the baton of the finnish-british conductor Ross Jamie Collins, on a melodious journey to the far north of Europe. 

The evening's programme reflects the musical richness and diversity of the Nordic soundscape with works by Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Hans Christian Lumbye and Johan Svendsen. The award-winning Norwegian singer-songwriter Rebekka Bakken, one of Scandinavia's most profound voices, will be performing. On her new album Nord, she captures the raw beauty of her homeland in delicate, powerful tones. Whether it's folk, classical, electronic soundscapes or film compositions: Eivør impresses with her flair for new musical paths. The singer draws inspiration for her compositions from the cultural richness of the Faroe Islands. The Sväng harmonica quartet presents a free-spirited musical mélange that even includes Finnish tango. Their innovative approach to the harmonica opens up soundscapes that explore the boundaries of traditional music. Norwegian violinist Ragnhild Hemsing, known for her extraordinary interpretation of Scandinavian music, can be heard playing the Hardanger fiddle. With virtuoso technique and deep emotional expression, she will play parts of Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite, among other pieces, on this special instrument, which is deeply rooted in Norwegian music history. An evening full of Scandinavian atmosphere – infused with Nordic magic and harmony.

The Domplatz Open-Air Concerts are an expression of the active cooperation between the province of Lower Austria, the city of St. Pölten and the Festspielhaus St. Pölten. As sustainable formats from the Culture St. Pölten 2024 focus year, these pioneering projects demonstrate how culture can have an immediate and positive impact on the city, the region and far beyond.