Mid EUROPE - A 25-Year Success Story
Thursday, 14.12.2023
In 1997, Schladming hosted the WASBE Conference (World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles). Then-mayor Hermann Kröll and the president of the Austrian Wind Music Association and WASBE, Prof. Wolfgang Suppan, played a key role in making the conference happen.
Orchestras from around the world visited Schladming, leaving a lasting impression. As a consequence, the local tourist office and the city council were in favor of a follow-up event. In 1998, the international Central European Conference of Symphonic Wind Orchestras and Wind Ensembles was founded under the name Mid EUROPE. Prof. Johann Mösenbichler served on the board from that point on and was appointed artistic director in 2000.
Over the years, the festival has gained an international reputation, putting both the festival and the city of Schladming on the global cultural map. Since its inception, the core of Mid Europe has been the World Youth Wind Orchestra Project – WYWOP. Young musicians aged 16 to 30 from all over the world gather for a week of intensive music-making in Schladming. Working with internationally renowned conductors, composers, and instrumental coaches, they produce high-quality music. In the process, this overcomes language barriers and fosters lasting friendships amongst the young musicians.
In 2017, its adult counterpart, WAWOP (World Adult Wind Orchestra Project), was founded. Since then, about 70 musicians participate annually, coached by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant. Currently, aside from WYWOP and WAWOP, the key elements of Mid Europe include:
- Concerts at congress Schladming
- Open-air concerts in Schladming and Haus
- Church concerts in Haus
- The LONG NIGHT in the center of Schladming
- The marching show “Schladming TATTOO” at WM-Arena Planai
- Workshops & masterclasses
Each year, over 2,000 musicians from more than 15 nations come to bring their music to Austria and to experience Schladming and the beautiful Ennstal valley. It is worth noting that the orchestras receive no fees whatsoever and pay for their entire stay themselves. The incredible quality of the music presented merges tradition and innovation, fostering regional and international development and contributing to cultural exchange. Truly a festival with a 25-year success story.