Südtirol Festival Merano 2026: An Evening of Music, Encounters and Elegance

Tiroler Goldschmied celebrates the opening of Südtirol Festival Merano

On 20 August 2026, the Südtirol Festival Merano 2026 opened its doors to a new festival season with an inspiring evening dedicated to music and culture. Before the opening concert, we welcomed our friends of music at the Tiroler Goldschmied boutique in Merano, where an elegant champagne reception set the tone for the evening ahead.

Over a glass of champagne and in the company of friends and fellow music lovers, we enjoyed inspiring conversations and the anticipation of a special evening – one in which music, culture and jewellery came together in a unique setting.

This year’s opening held a special significance for Tiroler Goldschmied. Hannes Gamper, CEO and jewellery designer of Tiroler Goldschmied, has taken on the role of President of Südtirol Festival. Together with family and friends, we raised a glass to the beginning of the new festival season and to this important new chapter.

Annette Weber at Tiroler Goldschmied

Among the evening’s guests was Annette Weber, one of Germany’s most recognised voices in fashion and style. Known for her distinctive sense of elegance, personality and contemporary style, she brought her own unique touch to the occasion.

For the opening of Südtirol Festival, Annette Weber wore jewellery from LA PREZIOSA’s ON AIR collection. With her unmistakable eye for fashion, she gave the pieces a particularly elegant presence.

Inspired by the world of music, the collection was a fitting choice for the evening. Jewellery, music and meaningful encounters came together, creating a memorable experience where art, style and emotion complemented one another.

 

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An unforgettable opening night at the Kurhaus

Following the champagne reception, we made our way with the Gamper family and our fellow music lovers to the Kursaal at the Kurhaus Merano, just a few steps away. Here, the opening concert of Südtirol Festival Merano 2026 marked the official beginning of the new festival season.

As the newly appointed President of the Südtirol Festival Merano, Hannes Gamper opened the evening with a personal and heartfelt speech. With warmth and sincerity, he welcomed the audience and reflected on the significance of the occasion.

He also honoured Honorary President Hermann Schnitzer, acknowledging his many years of commitment and his important contribution to the festival. It was a particularly moving moment – one that brought together the heritage of Südtirol Festival Merano and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

The evening’s musical programme was performed by the renowned Basel Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Israeli conductor Bar Avni. The programme brought together works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Fazıl Say, Ludwig van Beethoven and Dmitri Shostakovich.

Bar Avni also marked a milestone for the festival’s history. She became the first female conductor in the history of the Südtirol Festival Merano, as well as the first woman to conduct its opening concert.

Fazıl Say captivates the audience at the piano

One of the evening’s highlights was the appearance of internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Fazıl Say. With his extraordinary expressiveness and distinctive musical character, Say captivated the audience at the Kursaal. Alongside Beethoven’s celebrated “Appassionata” Sonata, the programme also featured his own composition, “Yürüyen Köşk.”

Together with the Basel Chamber Orchestra and Bar Avni, Fazıl Say created a performance that moved effortlessly between power, emotion and musical diversity – a fitting centrepiece for the festival’s opening night.

 

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An evening to remember

The opening of the Südtirol Festival Merano 2026 once again demonstrated how naturally music, culture and personal encounters can come together. The evening began with champagne at Tiroler Goldschmied and continued at the Kurhaus with an outstanding musical performance. From the first encounter to the final note, every moment contributed to an atmosphere that made this opening night truly special – and a moment that will stay with us for a long time.

We would like to thank all our friends and music lovers who shared this special evening with us. Here’s to a season filled with inspiring music, meaningful encounters and unforgettable moments at Südtirol Festival Merano 2026.