Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra in the highest category
The Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra is to be promoted to the highest category of orchestra. In future, the musicians of the State Theater in Augsburg will be a so-called A orchestra, whereas the Philharmonic has been in the B category to date. This step also means that the number of permanent positions must be increased from 71 to at least 99. The decision will open up completely new perspectives for the musicians and Augsburg's cultural landscape, said Bavaria's Minister of Art Markus Blume (CSU) on Wednesday.
In 2018, the Free State of Bavaria upgraded the municipal Augsburg stage to a state theater. Upgrading the orchestra is now the next step. The historic Großes Haus in Augsburg is currently being completely renovated. Following drastic cost increases, the expenditure for the modernization of the Augsburg State Theatre is expected to amount to significantly more than 300 million euros, which the Taxpayers' Association has criticized on several occasions.
The expansion of the orchestra is set to begin with the 2026/27 season and be completed three years later. "The A-grade is intended to sustainably strengthen the qualitative development of the Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra," emphasized the ministry.
The Augsburg State Theater, with its upgraded orchestra, will now feature both music performances by the A-graded Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra and theatrical productions. This shift in categories is an exciting development for Swabia's rich cultural scene, opening doors for more prominent collaborations in music and theater within the region.
Source: www.dpa.com
