Back in 1979, when a "cloud of sound" first descended over Linz, no one could have imagined that this event would become an institution, or even more, a genuine Linz landmark. More than four decades later, however, there is no longer any doubt about it. The Linz Klangwolke stands out as a spectacular highlight in the city's cultural calendar. It is the largest staged open-air event in Europe with free admission. Every year, up to 100,000 people stream into the Donaupark to witness this synthesis of the arts consisting of scenic performance, text, music, light and many other creative means. The Danube is integrated into the performance, its waves become the stage as well as its banks. Renowned artists from various genres have already created the Linz Klangwolke. Most recently, these have included the theater group La Fura dels Baus, directing geniuses such as David Pountney and Pierre Audi, and the grand master of film Robert Dornhelm. All of them have succeeded in staging performances in the Donaupark in their own individual way and in imprinting their respective Klangwolken with their personal signature. Who will be responsible for Linzer Klangwolke 23, presented by SPARKASSE OÖ and LINZ AG, will be announced in early summer.
In 2023 we are inviting the audience on a journey through worlds! Entitled ODYSSEY. A Journey Through Worlds, the Linz Klangwolke 23 presented by Sparkasse OÖ and LINZ AG takes the public on a very special adventure on the river of life.
At the centre is a young girl who is the only survivor of an apocalyptic catastrophe. Since rivers are considered sources of life and renewal in almost all cultures, the girl wanders along the Danube in hope that the river will be her gateway to new worlds. On her adventure she gets to know foreign cultures, crosses distant countries, discovers new musical styles and dance performances. Driven by the winds of change, the brave heroine ventures into the unknown to find answers on how to save, revive and protect her homeland after this apocalyptic destruction.
Francesca Zambello, "storyteller", artistic director and creator of ideas, will take the fans of Klangwolke on an unforgettable journey on 9 September. Together with her internationally renowned leading team, she will present a production that spectacularly combines video, light and sound design, aerial performance, acrobatic show and tap dance. Accompanied by the powerful sounds of symphonic waltzes, the passion of great opera melodies, the deep spirituality of a gospel choir and the rousing drive of percussion rhythms, the spectators will witness truly unique images that will leave them in awe. The Linz Klangwolke 23 merges into a synthesis of the arts on floating stages, a feast for all senses, for all age groups and for all people of this planet. See it for yourself and join us on an unforgettable journey: ODYSSEY. A Journey Through Worlds.
