DOMPLATZ OPEN-AIR | Tonkünstler & Friends: Northern Lights | Rebekka Bakken/Sväng/Ragnhild Hemsing

With a touch of Scandinavian freshness and the magic of late summer: The Domplatz Open-Air will already be in its fourth round in 2026, and we are celebrating 40 years of the capital city of St. Pölten! Against the impressive backdrop of St. Pölten Cathedral, the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria, under the direction of Icelandic conductor and composer Daníel Bjarnason, will take us on a sonorous journey to the far north of Europe this year.

The evening's program reflects the musical richness and versatility of the Nordic sound world with works by Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Hans Christian Lumbye, and Johan Svendsen. One of the most profound voices of Scandinavia, the award-winning Norwegian singer-songwriter Rebekka Bakken, will be a guest. In her new album "Nord," she captures the rugged beauty of her homeland in delicate, powerful tones. The harmonica quartet Sväng presents a free-spirited musical mélange, including Finnish tango. Their innovative approach to the harmonica opens up sound worlds that explore the boundaries of traditional music. The Norwegian violinist Ragnhild Hemsing, known for her exceptional interpretation of Scandinavian music, will perform with the Hardanger fiddle. With virtuosic technique and deep emotional expression, she will play parts of Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite on this special instrument, which is deeply rooted in Norway's musical history. An evening full of Scandinavian atmosphere – infused with Nordic magic and harmony.

The Domplatz Open-Air concerts are a manifestation of the lived collaboration between the State of Lower Austria, the City of St. Pölten, and the Festspielhaus St. Pölten. As sustainable formats stemming from the focus year "Culture St. Pölten 2024," these pioneering projects demonstrate how directly and positively culture can impact the city, the region, and far beyond.