ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Salzburg Festival: Messiaen's 'St. François d'Assise' Named Best Production of Summer

festival-fair · 2026-08-07

The Salzburg Festival's production of Olivier Messiaen's opera 'St. François d'Assise' has been hailed as the best production of the summer, according to a review in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. The festival, held in Salzburg, Austria, also featured a new interpretation of Bizet's 'Carmen' conducted by Teodor Currentzis, performed to a sold-out Grosses Festspielhaus. The 'Carmen' production, starring Asmik Grigorian in the title role, was described as a dark, intellectual take on the classic, but was criticized for being overly cerebral despite its star-studded cast. The review highlights the contrast between the two productions, with Messiaen's work receiving high praise for its artistic merit. The festival continues to be a major event in the classical music calendar, drawing international attention.

Key facts

  • Salzburg Festival's production of Messiaen's 'St. François d'Assise' is named best production of summer.
  • Teodor Currentzis conducted a new production of Bizet's 'Carmen' at the Salzburg Festival.
  • The 'Carmen' production was performed in the sold-out Grosses Festspielhaus.
  • Asmik Grigorian starred in the title role of 'Carmen'.
  • The 'Carmen' production was described as dark and intellectual but overly cerebral.
  • The review was published in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung.
  • The Salzburg Festival is held in Salzburg, Austria.
  • The festival is a major event in the classical music calendar.

Entities

Artists

  • Olivier Messiaen
  • Teodor Currentzis
  • Asmik Grigorian
  • Georges Bizet

Institutions

  • Salzburg Festival
  • Neue Zürcher Zeitung
  • Grosses Festspielhaus

Locations

  • Salzburg
  • Austria

Sources