Linzer Klangwolke 25 – URBAN PULSE © Simon Eichenberger

URBAN PULSE

LINZER KLANGWOLKE 25

presented by  Sparkasse OÖ and LINZ AG
Saturday, 6 September 2025, at 20:30, Donaupark Linz

 

What is the pulse of the city of Linz? What makes it tick? What rhythm does its heart beat to? What beat is inscribed in it?

The dramaturgical concept of the Linzer Klangwolke 25 URBAN PULSE traces these questions and makes the pulse of Linz visible and, above all, audible on the evening of 6 September in the Donaupark Linz. Accordingly, music is at the centre of this year's Klangwolke. Following on from the origins of the Linzer Klangwolke more than 50 years ago, URBAN PULSE puts the sound experience at the centre of a story that illuminates the city of Linz in different scenes:

  • their industry
  • the Danube and nature
  • the Nibelungen Bridge
  • »Blackbird«
  • and finally a party in the city

 

The soundtrack to the story is provided by the successful Upper Austrian composer Johannes Berauer. He has set the pulse of the city to music and composed an orchestral work that will be performed by the Bruckner Orchestra Linz - as part of a co-operation between LIVA and BOL for Klangwolke 25 - and lays the musical foundation for URBAN PULSE. The rhythm of the Klangwolke evening will be set by internationally renowned percussionist Christoph Sietzen, who will perform with his percussion ensemble MOTUS Percussion in a container city on the Danube, which will form the scenic setting for URBAN PULSE.

Director Simon Eichenberger, who is well known (not only) to Linz audiences, is in charge of the dramaturgical aspects of the event. Together with set and costume designer Charles Quiggin and lighting designer Manfred Nikitser, who is experienced in creating clouds of sound, the renowned Swiss director and choreographer will stage the action.

Bruckner Orchester Linz © Reinhard Winkler
Bruckner Orchester Linz © Reinhard Winkler

 

»The Linzer Klangwolke - which has long since become a trademark of the region - is set to become a unique experience for the eyes and ears as an open-air music event in 2025. The sounds of the music and the performance of the musicians are intended to awaken all the senses. With monumental horns, a pulsating heartbeat and a container city on a ship, a unique performance will unfold on the Danube. Renowned percussionist Christoph Sietzen and his ensemble take the audience on a captivating journey through sound - from archaic rhythms and industrial forces of sound to poetic moments of silence and hope. At the centre is the beat of the heart, which becomes rhythm, music, the pulse of a city: LINZ. Fire, water, machines and performers merge into a collective body of sound. In the end, Blackbird resounds - a homage to freedom, humanity and new beginnings. A musical spectacle between utopia and reality - powerful, participatory and unforgettable.«

Simon Eichenberger, Director of the Linzer Klangwolke 25 URBAN PULSE

 

artistic TEAM OF THE LINZER KLANGWOLKE 25  

Simon Eichenberger | Direction & Concept
Johannes Berauer | Komposition
Christoph Sietzen | Multipercussion
Charles Quiggin | Stage design
Manfred Nikitser | Lighting design
Marissa Munderloh | Produzent
Bruckner Orchester Linz


Christoph Sietzen © Stefan Sietzen
Christoph Sietzen © Stefan Sietzen
Simon Eichenberger  © Jan Frankl
Simon Eichenberger © Jan Frankl
Johannes Berauer © Frank G. Brody
Johannes Berauer © Frank G. Brody
Manfred Nikitser © Rene Langer Photography
Manfred Nikitser © Rene Langer Photography
Marissa Munderloh © Manfred Nikitser
Marissa Munderloh © Manfred Nikitser
Charles Quiggin © Privat
Charles Quiggin © Privat

Participation is a top priority at the Linzer Klangwolke 25 URBAN PULSE: In the spirit of artistic sustainability, it is not limited to the moment of the performance, but will make the pulse of the city resound at various locations in the days leading up to 6 September.

Snare drummers wanted for the Linzer Klangwolke 2025!

Do you have rhythm in your blood and fancy an extraordinary stage experience?

Then be there when the Donaupark shakes on 6 September 2025 – together with the internationally acclaimed percussionist Christoph Sietzen and his ensemble MOTUS Percussion. We are looking for at least 40 snare drummers to become part of the artistic ensemble for this great live spectacle in two thrilling scenes.
The performance is live and unamplified – pure sound craftsmanship!

What you can expect:

  • Rehearsals & Show

1 to 6 September 2025, in each case from approx. 17:00 to 22:00. The exact schedule will follow.

  • Your appearance

Scene 1: The Nibelungen Bridge - powerful snare drum piece

Scene 2 (Finale): "When the hearts of many beat together ..."– free play with a hand percussion instrument of your choice

What you bring with you: 

  • Own snare drum, sticks and a small hand percussion instrument
  • a musical level at amateur level - with several years of music school or playing experience. The pieces of music will be sent to you by e-mail after registration. 

Your commitment is worth it!

  • An unforgettable experience as part of a major event
  • A look behind the scenes of the Klangwolke

If you are interested and would like to join us with enthusiasm, tact and team spirit, please contact Katrin Fink at the Brucknerhaus Linz as soon as possible on +43 (0) 660 395 18 70 or by e-mail at katrin.fink@liva.linz.at

We look forward to welcoming many committed players!

 

»The Linzer Klangwolke 25 URBAN PULSE is a special challenge in many respects: it is an attempt to go back to the roots - to put the "sound" before the visual and at the same time to tell a gripping story without words.

This edition of Klangwolke is closely interwoven with Linz on various levels: it paints a musical mirror image of the city and already involves numerous local players in the preparations. I am delighted to be part of this fantastic team and to be closely involved in the exciting, creative, constantly surprising and challenging process of creating Linzer Klangwolke 25. This year's artistic team consists of percussionist Christoph Sietzen and composer Johannes Berauer, protagonists with a strong connection to Linz. Simon Eichenberger, the director who will be bringing the many ideas together and bringing them to the stage, is also no stranger to Linz. Charles Quiggin, who is responsible for the stage design, and lighting designer Manfred Nikitser are also experienced in creating clouds of sound.«

Johanna Möslinger, Interim artistic director of the LIVA

 

LIVE AND VIA STREAMING: EXPERIENCE THE LINZER KLANGWOLKE 25

Radio ORF OÖ and TV1 broadcast the Linzer Klangwolke 25 presented by Sparkasse OÖ and LINZ AG live on radio and TV. 

For the second time this year, ORF is offering the opportunity to stream Linzer Klangwolke 25 live on ORF ON (on.orf.at).

Radio ORF OÖ and TV1 broadcast the Linzer Klangwolke 25 presented by Sparkasse OÖ and LINZ AG live on radio and TV.

 

Sponsoren Linzer Klangwolke 25