Composed in 1909, one year before "The Count of Luxembourg", "Gypsy Love" became an international hit.  The score contains soaring melodies and lush romantic orchestration, combined with Hungarian and Romanian influences.  The story tells of a young woman who finds herself torn between her fiancee and an exciting and adventurous Gypsy violinist.  

"The Bird Seller"
Operetta Composed by Carl Zeller.

Composed in 1891, this is perhaps the most melodic of all operettas of the era.  It is a comic tale of people from different cultures and backgrounds learning to live together.  The score is inspired by Tyrolean Folk tunes and contains some of Zeller's brightest and most delightful music.

CD and / or DVD recordings are available of these works and can be ordered from us. See our CDs and DVDs page. (Click here).

"The Kaiser Gala"

Although the Emperor Franz Josef died in 1916 his influence on the town of Bad Ischl still reigns supreme.  There are three days of celebrations every year to celebrate the birthday of Franz Josef.  One of the highlights is the Kaiser Gala.  This is a grand concert with a full scale symphony orchestra and guest soloists in a delightful programme of music by Johann Strauss, Lehar et al.,  similar in style to the New Years Day Concert in Vienna.  It is always a real treat and a wonderful evening of music to lift the spirits high!  The Kaiser Gala takes place on 16th August 2012.

Other Musical Events in Bad Ischl...

There are daily concerts of music by composers such as Strauss, Lehar, Kalman, Stolz, Zeller, Millocker and many more!  Most of these are free of charge.  In fine weather some concerts take place in the Kur park.

                      Former residents and regular visitors to Bad Ischl

    Lehar              Tauber                 Stolz                   Kalman         Johann Strauss

The town centre of Bad Ischl is surprisingly compact.  All of the main facilities, including the Festival Theatre, are easily reached by level stroll.  The streets are lined with quality shops, restaurants and cafes.  Whilst in Bad Ischl you should not miss the following:

• Cafe Ramsauer - established for 150 years - frequented by Strauss, Stolz and many others.
• Hotel Goldener Ochs - regularly patronised by Lehar, numerous photographs of the "Grand Master" line the walls.
• Cafe Zauner - in the same family for over 175 years, they offer the most exquisite cakes, pastries, savouries, chocolates, ice creams and delicacies you have ever tasted, all made on the premises by a huge Brigade of master chefs.  You can also enjoy full meals at their Cafe on the Esplanade where there is a large terrace overlooking the River Traun.
• A trip on the cable car up the Katrin Alm to 1400m above sea level for spectacular views over the town and surrounding areas.
• The magnificent Baroque church, containing the "Bruckner" organ.

For relaxation, recreation, health and beauty treatments, Bad Ischl offers an array of choices and opportunities from Turkish baths and saunas to massages and manicures!

Sports and leisure opportunities in the area include boat hire and water sports on several of the many lakes; fishing; golf; riding; tennis; climbing; hot air ballooning; and countless cycling, walking and hiking routes suitable for all abilities.

                                       St Gilgen                                               Hallstatt            

The Salzkammergut region offers so much to see and do.  Pretty lakeside towns and villages; majestic mountain scenery; crystal clear rushing rivers; lush green alpine meadows; dense forests and the historic splendour of Salzburg.  Whether you choose to descend into the Salt Mines or ascend to the Dachstein Ice Caves you will come away with a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

Schafberg Mountain Railway   View from Schafberg       Dachstein Ice Caves