Last Saturday, 19 July, the Bregenz Festival welcomed its ten-millionth visitor since it was founded in 1946. Carmen Rauschmann from Hammelburg in Germany has been coming to Bregenz regularly since Il Trovatore in 2005 to enjoy the spectacular opera productions on the lake stage.
Before Saturday’s performance of Der Freischütz began, the festival’s artistic director Lilli Paasikivi presented the visibly moved fan with a bouquet of flowers and a Bregenz Festival goody bag containing, among other items, the programme booklet for the production and a cushion to make future visits to the outdoor theatre extra comfortable.
“I’m very happy! Ever since my first visit, the spell of the Bregenz Festival has never left me,” Carmen Rauschmann said. “The stage, the lake, the music – every time it’s a really special experience. The fact I’m now the ten-millionth visitor, that’s a great honour for me. I’m looking forward to many more summer evenings in Bregenz!”
For artistic director Lilli Paasikivi, visitor numbers reaching the ten million mark is a clear indication of the festival’s enduring appeal. Mrs Rauschmann is representative, she said, of the many people who have remained faithful to the festival over the years. “Without this loyal audience, the Bregenz Festival would not be what it is today.”
With over 200,000 visitors annually, the festival is one of the most important cultural events in Europe. The spectacular productions mounted on the stage built on the shore of Lake Constance are a magnet for people from all over the world.
(lk)
