Peter de Caluwe to lead Salzburg Festival in Austria starting October 2027

Peter de Caluwe, a 63-year-old Belgian opera manager, will become the artistic director of the Salzburg Festival in Austria starting October 1, 2027. He replaces Markus Hinterhäuser, who was forced out in March 2026. De Caluwe, who has led Brussels' La Monnaie opera house since 2007, will work with interim director Karin Bergmann during a preparatory period. His appointment follows negotiations with other candidates, including Barrie Kosky and Sophie de Lint. The festival faces challenges as the Grosses Festspielhaus will close for reconstruction in 2029 and 2030.