Große Universitätsaula
The Large University Auditorium is one most beautiful and prestigious rooms at the University of Salzburg. Leopold Mozart and his son Wolfgang Amadeus were among the many Salzburg composers who performed in the Large University Auditorium.
History and historic significance
The Benedictine University, founded in 1622, and the University Auditorium were a spiritual and cultural center in Salzburg and renowned far beyond the country's borders. The famous university was one of the reasons Mozart's father Leopold came to Salzburg, where he studied philosophy, mathematics and history for one and a half years. Student theater performances in the Auditorium were popular social events in Salzburg. This is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera Apollo et Hyacinthus, K. 38, composed at the age of eleven, premiered on May 13, 1767. Following several years of renovation, the authentic Mozart venue reopened as a contemporary venue for concerts and other events in January 2005 just in time for the Mozart Year. The total renovation costs were 7.3 million euros.
Authentic Mozart venue
During the overall renovations to the plans of the Salzburg architect Franz Fonatsch, the stage and backstage area was enlarged and new dressing rooms installed for the artists. A large checkroom and barrier-free access is now available to visitors. As an authentic Mozart venue, the Large University Auditorium also features enhanced acoustics and tiered seating for an optimized view of the stage.
The Large University Auditorium served two functions before the Collegiate Church was built. It was used both for church service and for theater performances. The stage was moved from the southern end to the northern end back to its original position.
To allow the stucco ceiling and walls to breathe again, the latex paint applied during renovations 25 years ago was removed since it had already become yellow. The old acoustic ceiling in the center area was also removed. A new ceiling and other acoustic measures transformed the original room used for worship into a concert and theater hall meeting today's standards.
The Large Auditorium as a concert hall
Today the newly renovated Large University Auditorium ranks with the Mozarteum and the Large Festival Hall among Salzburg's most prestigious concert halls. The Auditorium is located in the historic city center, in the midst of the Festival District facing the Furtwängler Park and Max Reinhardt Square and serves as a festive setting for graduation ceremonies and academic events. The perfect acoustics also make it an attractive venue, especially for staged events.
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