Bruckner University founds a Nikolaus Harnoncourt centre

Message received:

Linz (LCG) – Nikolaus Harnoncourt would have been 95 in 2024. The path of his life has led him from his native city of Berlin, via Graz and Vienna, to St. Georgen im Attergau, from where he has had a pioneering impact both musically and artistically worldwide. Harnoncourt was an outstanding and inspiring artistic personality of world renown, and at the same time always a committed, courageous supporter of the cultural state of Upper Austria, especially of young artists in our country.

Seven years after his death on March 5, 2016, it has been possible to secure the artistic legacy of the outstanding musician for the province of Upper Austria in the long term: the Anton Bruckner Private University of the province and the Harnoncourt family agree to found a center dedicated to Nikolaus Harnoncourt, which will guarantee that the life and work of Nikolaus Harnoncourt continue to have an impact.

“Nikolaus Harnoncourt was an influential personality whose radiance and presence had an impact worldwide. He has always remained closely connected to his homeland. We are pleased that it has now been possible to secure his legacy for our Bruckner University. In this way, we ensure that the memory of his work stays alive,” explains Governor Thomas Stelzer.

For the Anton Bruckner Private University, the settlement of this cultural treasure and above all the resulting work of the center to be founded represents a substantial upgrading in the scientific area.

Rector Martin Rummel: “The Nikolaus-Harnoncourt-Zentrum (NHZ) sees itself as the ‘torchbearer’ of Harnoncourt’s universal world of thought and dares to look at larger connections based on the development of the last centuries in order to dare a look into the future. It not only serves to preserve the legacy of a musical personality who shaped the 20th century, but as a unique selling point of the Anton Bruckner Private University will reflect an interdisciplinary educational ideal that is second to none. I am happy and proud that this important step in the development of our young university sustainably confirms our claim to be in the top international league of tertiary institutions.”