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This year promises an unprecedented number—and variety—of performances, even for Vienna. Two festivals stand out: the Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) in May and June, and New Crowned Hope (NCH), under the direction of Peter Sellars, in November and December. For complete schedules, booking information, and addresses of theaters and concert halls, call 43-1/58999 or see www.wienmozart2006.at. Here, our Don't Miss list.
May 1 The Abduction from the Seraglio Mozart's rescue opera, staged in a rare collaboration between the Vienna State Opera and the Burgtheater (the Austrian National Theater).
May 13 The Magic Flute Young British maestro Daniel Harding leads a new Vienna Festival production at the Theater an der Wien.
May 16 Not Just Mozart Modern ballet, including two Mozart treats by choreographer Jirí Kylián, at the Volksoper.
June 3 Così Fan Tutte French director Patrice Chéreau, long absent from opera, returns to stage the comic masterpiece.
June 17 Renowned mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager and baritone Simon Keenlyside give a joint recital; Theater an der Wien.
November 8 I Hate Mozart World premiere of an opera about intrigue in a theater, composed by Bernhard Lang, with a libretto by Michael Sturminger.
November 14 A Flowering Tree John Adams conducts the premiere of his fourth opera, based on an ancient Indian folktale; presented by NCH.
November 20 A new work for chorus and orchestra by Osvaldo Golijov, commissioned by NCH.
November 26 La Passion de Simone Premiere of an opera by Kaija Saariaho; directed by Peter Sellars and starring soprano Dawn Upshaw.
December 5 Requiem Conductor Christian Thielemann leads the forces of the State Opera on the 215th anniversary of Mozart's death.
December 7 Mozart Dances Choreography by Mark Morris, with piano soloist Emanuel Ax.
Although this year's festival (July 23 through August 31) showcases Mozart's operas, other works will be performed by an impressive roster of the world's great orchestras and chamber music ensembles, as well as superstar soloists and vocalists; a selection of theater pieces rounds out the mix. Events take place at 19 venues, including several locations where Mozart performed, such as the Stiftkirche St. Peter. For tickets, call 43-662/804-5500 or book online at www.salzburgfestival.at.
July 25 Lucio Silla An opera written by Mozart when he was 16, here coproduced with Venice's La Fenice company and staged by incoming festival director Jürgen Flimm.
July 26 The Marriage of Figaro Anna Netrebko and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo star in one of the festival's most anticipated productions.
July 28 Bastien und Bastienne The Salzburg Marionette Theater produces Mozart's innocent little comedy about romance.
July 29 The Magic Flute Riccardo Muti leads a top- notch cast in a new production by Pierre Audi.
August 11 Don Giovanni Thomas Hampson sings the title role in a revival of the staging by Martin Kušej.
August 17 Zaide/Adama Mozart's fragmentary work is paired with a world premiere from the Israeli composer Chaya Czernowin. Directed by the provocative Claus Guth.
August 28 Berlin Philharmonic music director Sir Simon Rattle conducts a program of 20th- and 21st-century composers, from Debussy to Mark Anthony Turnage; with soprano Dawn Upshaw.
August 30 C Minor Mass Conductor Helmuth Rilling leads a performance of the work in St. Peter's Church.
August 29 to 31 Festival Finale Three concerts of music that range from Mahler to the latest scores from German composers Wolfgang Rihm and Helmut Lachenmann.
—Larry L. Lash
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