Although the theme „Bruckner and women“ recurs in all biographical writings about the composer, until now it has never been investigated in a wider context, since at first glance there is little evidence to go on. The symposium on 4th October at 2 p.m., and 5th October at 9 a.m. is dedicated to the exploration of possible clues in an area where little has been rigourously researched. Some starting points are Bruckner's relationship to his mother, his reputation for being permanently infatuated, and the apparent love of his life, the butcher's daughter Josefine Lang.
There are three primary themes to be academically studied and presented in seminar papers: the image of women in Bruckner's time; Bruckner's social status as a bachelor in his immediate environment; and the biographies of his „beloved“ women. In addition there are the possible influences on Bruckner's creative work and his artistic development to be considered. The symposium is thus to be seen as an interdisciplinary approach to a complex theme.
Among the lecturers are Dr. Andrea Harrandt, Dr. Andreas Lindner, Dr. Johannes Leopold Mayer, PD Dr. Christian Neuhuber, Dr. Eva Neumayr, Dr. Klaus Petermayr, Dr. Lothar Schultes and Dr. Karin Wagner.