Experiencing Distance, Feeling Closeness: What the Carinthian Summer Offers This Year

The Carinthian Summer festival, currently in its third year under the artistic direction of Nadja Kayali, is highlighting a deep integration of music and literature in its programming. This year's festival, running until August 2, is noted for making the interplay between these two art forms more present than ever before in its history.

The festival's theme, "Experiencing Distance, Feeling Closeness," is reflected in its diverse offerings. A notable example is the Quintett Kurdophone accompanying a text by Nava Ebrahimi in Ossiach. This fusion of musical performance with literary readings underscores a long-standing characteristic of Carinthian cultural history, where music and literature have often complemented each other.

Following the tenures of Thomas Daniel Schlee and Holger Bleck, Nadja Kayali's direction is described as fostering an environment of "open possibilities." The festival aims to create a rich tapestry of artistic experiences, bringing together different creative disciplines. The emphasis on the dialogue between music and literature seeks to engage audiences in a unique cultural exploration within the scenic setting of Carinthia.