The departure of Markus Hinterhäuser from the Salzburg Festival has prompted reactions from across the classical music world, including a strongly worded statement by violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja.
In a post published on Facebook, Kopatchinskaja said she was “deeply shocked” by the recent developments and questioned how the festival could remove “the soul of this wonderful festival” so abruptly. She criticised the decision to release Hinterhäuser immediately, noting that he would not remain in his role even for the upcoming edition built on his own artistic planning.
Kopatchinskaja also emphasised Hinterhäuser’s personal involvement in shaping the festival’s programme and working closely with artists. “The international audience does not know these politicians,” she wrote, contrasting institutional decision-makers with the artistic leadership that, in her view, defined the festival’s identity.
Her statement went further, describing the situation as a “destruction of a body of work” and a “humiliation” of a deeply committed artistic figure. She also suggested that such decisions reflect broader structural issues, referring to a “system of power and lack of dialogue.”
The violinist concluded by expressing her personal sense of loss, saying she mourns the development “from the bottom of [her] heart,” and questioning how the festival will continue without Hinterhäuser.
The Salzburg Festival has not publicly responded to individual reactions. In its official communication, the festival stated that the decision followed “irreconcilable differences” and confirmed that preparations for the 2026 edition are continuing as planned.
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