Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz 2024
A Celebration of Culture and Music
July 29th, 2024The Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz, running from June 29 to September 1, 2024, is a grand celebration of cultural diversity, offering a rich tapestry of outstanding opera, classical music, dance, pop, and jazz performances on screen. This year marks another chapter in the festival’s storied history, transforming the iconic square into Europe’s premier cultural and culinary destination since its inception in 1991.
The festival showcases a curated selection of the best recordings from various genres, including pop, rock, classical, jazz, musical, operetta, and opera. Each year, the festival collaborates with prestigious institutions like the Vienna State Opera, Vereinigte Bühnen Wien, and ORF III to present top-tier productions, providing audiences with an eclectic mix of music films and culinary delights from around the world. The festival embodies Vienna’s high quality of life, offering shared summer moments of joy through art and cuisine.
The lineup features a broad spectrum of performances, catering to diverse musical tastes. Highlights include:
- Rock and Pop: The festival opens with "The Rolling Stones — Grrr! Live," showcasing a legendary performance with guest appearances by The Black Keys, Lady Gaga, and Bruce Springsteen. Other notable acts include Coldplay’s "Live 2012," Imagine Dragons’ "Smoke + Mirrors Live," and P!nk’s "Live In Melbourne."
- Classical and Opera: Classical music enthusiasts can enjoy performances like "Maurizio Pollini Plays Beethoven," "Ludwig van Beethoven — 9th Symphony," and operatic masterpieces such as "Madama Butterfly" and "Aida." The festival also features unique presentations like "Joe Hisaishi In Concert," highlighting works from Studio Ghibli films.
- Jazz and Blues: Jazz aficionados can look forward to the Steve Gadd Band at the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival and Norah Jones’ soulful performance at the Baloise Session.
- Musical Theatre and Dance: The programme includes musical highlights from Vienna with "We Are Musical" and ballet performances like "Lady Of The Camellias" from the Vienna State Opera.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival features live broadcasts of significant events, such as the UEFA EURO 2024™ semi-finals and final. This adds a dynamic element to the festival, combining the excitement of live sports with cultural festivities.
The Film Festival at Vienna’s Rathausplatz is more than just a series of screenings; it is a vibrant cultural phenomenon that brings together music, film, and culinary arts in a unique and enchanting setting. It represents the essence of Vienna’s cultural heritage and continues to captivate audiences year after year, offering unforgettable experiences amidst the city’s historical and architectural splendor. Whether you are a fan of rock, classical music, jazz, or opera, the festival promises an enriching journey through the world of performing arts, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Vienna’s Rathausplatz.