“Love Always Wins” is the motto of Music in the Alps 2026, the music-festival with international students and professional musicians.
Artistic director, New York concert pianist and music professor Dr. Irena Portenko invites audiences to attend the 13th edition of the “Music in the Alps” festival in Bad Gastein.
What once began on a small scale has grown into a multifaceted musical event that fosters intercultural dialogue and brings fresh impulses to the performance of classical music.
Under this year's motto "Love Always Wins", the festival is dedicated to a force that, much like music, cannot be explained - it simply happens. It flows through us, touches us, and leaves us profoundly changed.
On stage, established artists meet promising young talents. Together, they create unique musical moments in which love becomes tangible and unfolds deep within.
In moderated Q&A sessions before the concerts, artists provide personal insights into their work, their inspirations and their careers. In August 2026, Music in the Alps offers a varied programme, special venues and musical encounters that will remain in your memory.
The concert program is provisional and may change. Dates, venue, times, and artists are not yet definitively confirmed!
8 pm • Merangarten (in case of bad weather: Wiener Saal) *
Opening concert: "Best of CelloNation"
Best of CelloNation is a medley of classical music, movies, pop music, rock, and so on!
8 pm • Wiener Saal *
Romantic Cello Sonatas
Cello Sonatas by F. Chopin and V. Kosenko — passion and eternal love in every note
with Nargiza Yusupova (cello) and Irena Portenko (piano)
4 pm • Graukogelalm
Songs of Love Vol.1
Songs of love the past to the present days performed by the young artists of the festival.
A valid lift ticket for the Graukogel lift is required.
8 pm • Wiener Saal
Postcards from...
Visiting Finland, Ukraine and America
with Irena Portenko (piano)
8 pm • Wiener Saal *
Three Sopranos in Bad Gastein
Following the “three tenors” idea, three sopranos from Ukraine and the United States will certainly create a memorable musical experience, from classics to modern pieces
with Yuliya Fesay, Tammy Hensrud and Korliss Uecker
accompanied by Svetlana Gorokhovich and Yana Kalenchuk, piano
8 pm • Wiener Saal *
From Bach to Piazzolla
This duo brings guitar and flute music for you
with Kateryna Movchan (flute) and Danica Škreblin (guitar)
2 pm • Stubnerkogel Talblick Viewing Platform
Songs of Love Vol.2
Songs of love the past to the present days performed by the young artists of the festival.
A valid lift ticket for the Stubnerkogel lift is required.
8 pm • Wiener Saal *
Four Hands, One Piano
Continuing last year's take on Beethoven, the duo takes on Symphony No. 7 and Schumann's Etudes in Canon form
with Svetlana Gorokhovich and Irena Portenko
4 pm • Felsentherme Bad Gastein
Back to Childhood – Disney & more
A wide variety of music from the movies and cartoons for kids and young adults performed by the young artists of the festival.
A valid Felsentherme ticket is required.
8 pm • Wiener Saal
Franck Sonata and Other French Music
Sonatas by Franck and Debussy, as well as pieces written in the 19th–20th century
with Artur Medvedev (violin), Veronika Nurijeva (cello), Mykhailo Diordiev (piano), and Irena Portenko (piano)
11 am • Wiener Saal
Presentation by the Young Artists
Always fresh ideas take our performers and listeners on an unexpected creative ride.
8 pm • Merangarten (in case of bad weather: Wiener Saal) *
Taras Volos and Friends
Best of jazz plus — standards and favorite tunes from wonderful Taras Volos and Co.
8 pm • Wiener Saal *
Closing Gala: Love Always Wins
Celebrating music and love, saying goodbye, but leaving our hearts and songs in Bad Gastein until next time
with all artists of the festival
* Tickets
Partially required (details see program).
Available at the Kur- und Tourismusverband Bad Gastein or at the box office.
Tickets can also be reserved via email at badgastein@gastein.com.
You can pick up and pay for these tickets at the box office.
Advance sale: € 15,- (€ 12,- for seniors and students)
Box office: € 20,- (€ 15,- for seniors and students)
3 concerts: € 40,- (€ 32,- for seniors and students)
5 concerts: € 65,- (€ 52,- for seniors and students)
7 concerts: € 85,- (€ 68,- for seniors and students)
Cash payment only!
