Leading Team

In 2021, director and set designer Thaddeus Strassberger and costume designer Giuseppe Palella conjured up Asian flair in the quarry, and in 2024 they brought ancient Egypt to life. In 2026, their production of Tosca will take us to the heart of Enlightenment Rome with its Baroque traces. The locations are the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle, the Palazzo Farnese and Castel Sant'Angelo, all of which will be reflected in the opulent stage design. The musical direction of the Tosca production in the St. Margarethen quarry will once again be taken on by Italian conductor Valerio Galli, who already thrilled audiences with his captivating musical interpretation in the production of Carmen (2023).The Piedra Festival Orchestra will also be there again this year as the resident orchestra. As in previous years, the Philharmonia Chor Wien, conducted by Walter Zeh, will provide an outstanding and proven ensemble – this time performing on stage again. Making their debut are the Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen, who will embody the children's choir in the Te Deum on stage.