Autumn days blind market
The Herbsttage Blindenmarkt , which was founded in 1989 by Artistic Director Michael Garschall , is an operetta festival in the Mostviertel in Lower Austria .
Operetta performances
Since 1992 the "Autumn Days" have been showing a whole operetta in the gym of the Blindenmarkt middle school, which has been converted into a theater . While the first production was dedicated to Lehár's " Lustiger Witwe ", the range now ranges from Strauss ' " Fledermaus ", Zeller's " Bird Trader " and Ziehrer's " Die Landstreicher " to Benatzky's " Im Weißen Rößl ", the successful anniversary production for the 25th anniversary in 2014, as well as Franz von Suppés “ Boccaccio ” on the occasion of the opening of the new venue “Ybbsfeldhalle” in October 2016.
New interpretation as a recipe for success
At the “Herbsttage Blindenmarkt”, modern operetta aesthetics, but without alienating the genre, are implemented with established artists and up-and-coming singers and musicians. Operetta specialist and conductor Kurt Dlouhy takes care of the orchestra and choir rehearsals.
Operetta symposium for the 15th
To mark the 15th anniversary of the “Autumn Days”, a prominent symposium on the subject of “Operetta Today” took place, which received an international response. Experts such as Manfred Wagner (University of Vienna), Mathias Spohr (Zurich), Robert Herzl , Uwe Theimer , KS Adele Haas and Anton Mayer and Michael Blees ( ORF culture) took part in the conference.
Springboard for young artists
In addition, the "Herbsttage Blindenmarkt" have developed into a springboard for young talents. The actress Ursula Strauss once sang in the festival choir here, while the Wagner interpreters Norbert Ernst and Andreas Schagerl , who are in demand today, have performed in various productions. Directors such as Isabella Gregor and Gernot Kranner contributed significantly to the success.
Participation of the celebrities
The prominent artists who participated in the “Autumn Days” include Klaus Maria Brandauer , Dana Gillespie , Michael Heltau , Heinz Zuber , Peter Rapp , Heilwig Pfanzelter , Isabel Weicken , Daniela Fally and Gabriele Schuchter .
Audience, occupancy
70 percent of the visitors come from the region, 30 percent from the neighboring federal states of Vienna and Upper Austria . The utilization of the festival is 100 percent. The "Herbsttage Blindenmarkt" has around 9,000 to 10,000 visitors per season.
New venue from 2016
With the opening of the new Ybbsfeldhalle in October 2016, a versatile building with contemporary requirements and comfortable conditions for the guest will be completed. The construction costs amounted to 4.8 million euros, of which 500,000 euros (outside the production budget) were covered by sponsors and supporters of the “Herbsttage Blindenmarkt”. The multifunctional sports hall of the Blindenmarkt music school can now be converted into an auditorium. This consists of parquet , grandstand and gallery . As a result, the seating capacity has increased from 408 to 500 seats (with possible expansion). The attached stage will serve as a concert and rehearsal room for the music school.
In addition, the auditorium has new seating that significantly increases the seating comfort for visitors. An orchestra pit was also built to offer the audience a new listening experience. Previously a tent was used as a reception and break room, but this is now being replaced by an enclosed foyer . Another break foyer in the form of a heated tent is located on the gallery terrace.
"Help with art" initiative
The “Helfen mit Kunst” initiative, launched by Hilde Umdasch and Artistic Director Michael Garschall, has existed since 2007 . It enables disadvantaged people and low-income families to visit the festival free of charge. This initiative has already received two maecenas .
Association of friends of the autumn days blind market
The "Association of Friends of the Autumn Days of the Blind Market" unites supporting members, sponsors and patrons. KR Hilde Umdasch has been the President since 2006 . She justifies her commitment to the “Herbsttage Blindenmarkt” primarily with the innovative ideas that Artistic Director Garschall is realizing in Blindenmarkt. The "autumn days" managed to fuse professionals and amateurs into one ensemble. The successful entrepreneur also refers to her personal concern of promoting music in the region.