In 2026, the Bregenz Festival celebrates its 80th anniversary with a programme that combines community, history and music. On 1 August, the lake stage itself will become an instrument: everyone is invited to be part of a unique musical experience at a big singalong on the lake. Under the motto Alemania cantat, which is engraved in the foundation stone of the Festspielhaus, hundreds of people from towns and villages, from choirs and singing groups as well as individuals of all ages, unite to sing the great melodies of opera history. Anyone can take part, whether experienced choral singers or amateur enthusiasts, because what this afternoon is all about is the joy of singing, the power of music and the energy that comes from massed voices.
Under the direction of Australian conductor Steven Moore and accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, renowned festival soloists and members of the Bregenz Festival Choir, the Prague Philharmonic Choir and the Bavarian Radio Choir, the lake stage will be transformed into a sound space that resonates. The programme spans eight decades of festival history – with classics such as Va pensiero from Nabucco, the Huntsman's Chorus from Der Freischütz, Brindisi from La traviata and excerpts from Carmen and Turandot.
In addition, from 13 June to 23 August 2026, a photographic exhibition will be on show along the lakeside promenade in Bregenz, taking visitors on a journey through eight decades of the festival’s history. A long sequence of billboard-size images will show the most impressive stage sets, productions and moments from the opera on the Seebühne stage – set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Constance.
Further information about the Singalong at the Lake can be found here.
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