Salzburg Advent 2026

80 Years of Salzburg Advent Singing

It began in 1946 as a modest folk cultural memorial celebration for friends with a longing for a better, more peaceful world and developed under the founder Tobi Reiser the Elder into the Salzburg Advent Singing - the seedbed and great model for numerous "Advent Singings" throughout the German-speaking world. The performance venues in the archiepiscopal residence and in the auditorium of the University of Salzburg quickly became too small, and so Tobi Reiser took the leap in 1960 into the newly built Great Festival Hall. Following in his footsteps, Tobias Reiser the Younger successfully continued this responsible legacy from 1974 onwards, giving the Advent Singing in the Great Festival Hall a new, artistically ambitious profile until his death in 1999. The successful path of careful but steady development has continued since 2000 under the directorship of Hans Köhl. The traditional event has evolved into a socially relevant, now internationally sought-after major cultural event.

From the very beginning, this peace project has resonated with the central message of peace for all people of good will. Interwoven with the Advent mystery of birth, familiar sounds, and contemporary ways of thinking, the productions become unique experiences. Around 34,000 visitors flock to the event each year - totaling over two million guests since its founding. At the anniversary Advent Singing in 2026, the curtain will rise for the 1000th performance in the Great Festival Hall, further underscoring the popularity of this unique original.

The Most Beautiful Story in the World

Believers, as well as visitors who are not deeply religious, are opened to new universal perspectives with this most beautiful story in the world, which reflects socially relevant spiritual messages. The Salzburg Advent Singing strives to convey hope and confidence in our tumultuous times with messages that touch the heart.

Shepherds Who Capture Hearts

For 75 years now, the shepherd children have been the "heart" of the Salzburg Advent Singing. Their performances are among the most touching and atmospheric moments. With their unadulterated, genuinely childlike manner, they can be experienced in the most beautiful Salzburg dialect and delight the audience each year with their shepherd songs, G’stanzln, and the original Schleunigen with Påsch.

Familiar Songs and Melodies

The Salzburg Advent Singing has a unique musical dialect. The harmoniously coordinated sound structure of familiar folk musical songs and melodies, classical works, and new compositions creates an atmospheric sound experience each year, in which the mystery of the spiritual message resonates in a very special way.

A Great Community

During the performances in the Great Festival Hall, one can feel how the energy of over 2000 visitors and participants flows together. An indescribable, energy-filled aura of a large community unfolds, reaching a blissful peak at the jointly sung devotional yodel.