--- title: Gustav Mahler Festival Steinbach am Attersee – Facts and programme url: "https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler-at-lake-attersee.html" description: "Steinbach am Attersee is inextricably linked to the life and work of Gustav Mahler. The world-famous composer spent formative years here during the summer months, during which he composed significant works. The Gustav Mahler Festival in Steinbach am Attersee commemorates this creative period every year and brings Mahler's music to life in historical locations." image: "https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/user_upload/attersee-attergau/logos/Attersee_Attergau_Logo_80__gro%E2%94%9C%C6%92.jpg" date: 2024-12-09 modified: 2025-12-15 --- # Gustav Mahler Festival Steinbach am Attersee – Facts and programme ### 10TH GUSTAV MAHLER FESTIVAL The Gustav Mahler Festival 2026 in Steinbach am Attersee will take place **from 21 to 28 June 2026** and will focus on the composer's third symphony. *Further details and the exact programme:*[*www.mahler-steinbach.at*](https://www.mahler-steinbach.at/) [ ![Artistic subject of the Mahler Festival 2026, with Gustav Mahler in the foreground and blue and gold decorations.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Regina Schachl") 10TH GUSTAV MAHLER FESTIVAL Steinbach am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler-at-lake-attersee/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430273097/n-a.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Regina Schachl Close copyright To mark the 10th anniversary of the Steinbach Gustav Mahler Festival and 130 years after the completion of Mahler's Third Symphony, the 2026 festival is dedicating an extended week of festivities entirely to the composer's sound cosmos - in a variety of perspectives on nature, man and music. The programme includes **concerts**, a **themed nature excursion** on the Third Symphony, a **night-time boat trip**, nature experiences, a series of lectures, a film screening, exhibitions, guided tours and panel discussions. The **highlight of the festival week** will be the performance of the Third Symphony by the **Bruckner Orchestra Linz** under the direction of **chief conductor Markus Poschner** on **28 June 2026** in the Steinbach Hall - just a few metres away from the place where Mahler composed his masterpiece. Other performers in 2026 will include: **Miriam Kutrowatz**, soprano Eduard**Kutrowatz**, piano **Jason Starr**, filmmaker **John Warner** with **Orchestra for the Earth** (GB), chamber orchestra **Ensemble Liaison** (Australia), trio: Clarinet, cello, piano **Thomas Hampson**, Mahler expert **Joseph Horowitz**, cultural historian and author **Further details and the exact programme will be published as soon as possible at** [www.mahler-steinbach.at](https://www.mahler-steinbach.at/) [ ![Mahler Festival 2025](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Regina Schachl") GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 3 Sunday, 28.06.2026 at 18:00 ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler-at-lake-attersee/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430287694/n-a.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Regina Schachl Close copyright ### This concert is part of the 10th Gustav Mahler Festival in Steinbach am Attersee: The 3rd Symphony A concert of superlatives in Steinbach am Attersee: **MAHLER Symphony No. 3 in D minor - with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and chief conductor Markus Poschner, live at the place of creation.** On 28 June 2026, the idyllic setting of Steinbach am Attersee will become the stage for a musical event of extraordinary cultural significance: A concert in a class of its own awaits us with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, one of the leading orchestras in Central Europe, under the outstanding baton of chief conductor Markus Poschner. 130 years after its composition, Gustav Mahler's 3rd Symphony, which was written here in the small "composer's cottage" on the lakeshore and is now one of the most monumental and visionary works in music history, will be performed for the first time at the place of its creation. [Tickets available online](https://ticketing.salzkammergut.at/de/buyingflow/tickets/15257/24721#tixsp "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") Who the heck is Gustav? ======================= 12 curious facts about Gustav Mahler that you probably didn't know yet. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Gustav Mahler - one of the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to his immense musical legacy, there are numerous entertaining and surprising facts about his life and personality that are often overshadowed by his monumental music. In this text, we will explore some of these "fun facts" about Gustav Mahler that will give you a new perspective on the man behind the masterpieces. From quirky anecdotes to unexpected passions, let's discover together the multifaceted and colourful personality of this extraordinary artist. ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/a/csm_Gustav_mahler_as_child_a2b9da932b.jpg) 13 Siblings 13 Siblings Gustav Mahler had a total of 13 siblings, but only six of them survived childhood. His relationship with them was characterised by family closeness and loss. Mahler, who was often confronted with illness and death himself, experienced the loss of his siblings as a deep pain that strongly influenced his life and his music. This family dynamic was reflected in Mahler's works, which are often imbued with existential themes, grief and longing, and testify to the emotional depth of his work. [ to the biography ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler.html) 13 Siblings - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/5/3/csm_Zu_Tisch_bei_Gustav_Mahler_Viktoria_Hofauer_Fotografie__77__29cc18d582.jpg) 9 symphonies 9 symphonies The nine symphonies of Gustav Mahler represent an epic journey through human life and experience. Each symphony is a fascinating universe in itself, characterised by Mahler's deep emotional expression, his artistic diversity and his innovative orchestral approach. [ All compositions ](https://www.mahler-steinbach.at/english/gustav-mahler-festival-2025/) 9 symphonies - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/4/csm_Alma_Mahler_1899a_e7c54f36bc.jpg) 2nd start-up 2nd start-up Alma Schindler was invited to Berta Zuckerkandl's home (a party that Gustav Mahler was also supposed to attend). Alma Schindler declined. The following Sunday, both were invited and present, which was the day the two met for the first time. 2nd start-up - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/0/csm_wing-3721684_1280_800174dec6.jpg) for Josephine 3 songs for Josephine 3 songs In 1880 Gustav Mahler composed three songs for Josephine Poisl, his lover at the time [ About the love story ](https://mahlerfoundation.org/) 3 songs , for Josephine - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/6/e/csm_Gustav-Mahler_1909_Quelle_Wikipedia_96647cfc3b.jpg) The 8th Symphony The 8th Symphony Gustav Mahler's Eighth Symphony, often referred to as the "Symphony of a Thousand", is a monumental work that represents a high point in his oeuvre. With an extraordinary cast of soloists, choirs and a huge orchestra, it is a celebration of life, love and divine Eros. [ to the 8th Symphony ](https://mahlerfoundation.org/mahler/compositions/symphony-no-8/) The 8th Symphony - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/0/csm_fahrrad-historisch-postkarte-100__v-img__16__9__xl_-d31c35f8186ebeb80b0cd843a7c267a0e0c81647_cebd7daefc.jpg) one of the 1\. cyclist one of the 1\. cyclist was Mahler in his time as conductor at the Hamburg City Theatre. On his bike tours, he sometimes has hair-raising falls. But that doesn't bother him at all: once the tyre has been repaired, Gustav Mahler is back on the saddle and continues to cycle diligently. 1. cyclist , one of the - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/2/9/csm_stairs-4948223_1280_ffc25df615.jpg) 4 floors 4 floors Gustav Mahler carried his sister Justine in his arms. After nursing her mother in Vienna for a long time, her health was so poor that Mahler brought her to live with him in Budapest. 4 floors - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/b/3/csm_nyc19112small_a7cbc8b6fc.jpg) Last concert 21.02.1911 Last concert 21.02.1911 Mahler conducted his last concert in New York on 21 February 1911. He was already suffering from inflammation of the heart. Three months later, he died of this very illness. 21.02.1911, Last concert - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/8/9/csm_Alma-Mahler-Werfel_4dd1f8b48a.jpeg) 19 years 19 years was younger, Alma Schindler, when she and Gustav Mahler married in 1902. Alma Mahler, born Alma Schindler, was a fascinating personality of the early 20th century. Born in Vienna in 1879, she was a talented composer and a muse for numerous artists of her time, including Gustav Mahler, with whom she married in 1902. Alma was known for her beauty, intelligence and passionate nature, which was often expressed in her diaries and letters. [ Gustav & Alma ](https://mahlerfoundation.org/mahler-alma_loveletters/) 19 years - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/8/csm_2019_Gustav_Mahler_H%C3%A4uschen_Georg_F%C3%B6ttinger_4cc2143e42.jpg) 3 Composing houses 3 Composing houses Gustav Mahler's composer's cottage in Steinbach am Attersee was an idyllic retreat for the composer during the summer months. The 2nd Symphony and the entire 3rd Symphony were completed in this modest wooden cottage. [ Composing house ](https://www.mahler-steinbach.at/english/mahler-in-steinbach-en/composing-hut/) 3 Composing houses - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/a/csm_Gustav_mahler_as_child_3dca6c8c82.jpg) 4 years 4 years old was Gustav Mahler when he began his musical training with the accordion 4 years - turn over the card ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/f/csm_Gustav_Mahler_Festival_Steinbach_Viktoria_Hofauer_Fotografie__11__807c7e6baa.jpg) with 10 years with 10 years he performed as a pianist for the first time 10 years , with - turn over the card **Interesting facts about Gustav Mahler** ----------------------------------------- Gustav Mahler, one of the most important composers of the late Romantic period, left behind a rich legacy of musical masterpieces that are still admired and interpreted today. Born on 7 July 1860 in Kalischt, Bohemia, and died on 18 May 1911 in Vienna, Mahler was not only an outstanding composer, but also a celebrated conductor of his time. His works are characterised by their emotional depth, complex harmonies and profound texts, which often reflect existential questions and human experiences. Mahler's music is known for its epic dimensions and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to exuberant joy. [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/a/b/csm_Web_Gustav_Mahler_TVB_Attersee-Attergau_1_e92825e6f5.png) Biography (1860-1911) ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler-at-lake-attersee.html) [ ![Artistic subject of the Mahler Festival 2026, with Gustav Mahler in the foreground and blue and gold decorations.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Regina Schachl") Program preview 10. GUSTAV MAHLER FESTIVAL ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler-at-lake-attersee/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430273097/n-a.html) © Open copyright © Copyright: Regina Schachl Close copyright [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/6/7/csm_Web_Gustav_Mahler_TVB_Attersee-Attergau_4_8a22f12289.png) Mosaic by Christian Ludwig Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430002562/gustav-mahler-mosaik-von-christian-ludwig-attersee.html) [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/1/6/csm_Er%C3%B6ffnung_GustavMahlerFestivalSteinabch_a81959b172.jpg) FESTIVAL Steinbach am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-veranstaltung/detail/430273097/gustav-mahler-festival-steinbach-2025.html) [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/8/csm_2019_Gustav_Mahler_H%C3%A4uschen_Georg_F%C3%B6ttinger_d074b40e1a.jpg) Composing house Steinbach am Attersee ](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/en/activities/culture-and-tradition/culture/gustav-mahler/oesterreich-poi/detail/400142/gustav-mahler-composer-s-cottage.html) [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/2/5/csm_Gustav_Mahler_Gedenkstein_Steinbach_134899ecd7.png) Memorial stone ](https://www.mahler-steinbach.at/mahler-in-steinbach/mahler-gedenkstein/) [ ![](https://attersee-attergau.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/9/9/csm_Gustav_Mahler_Unterschrift_1860a3ecdb.png) GUSTAV MAHLER FOUNDATION The Mahler Foundation is an organisation dedicated to promoting and understanding the life and work of Gustav Mahler. It was founded to preserve Mahler's legacy, promote his music and preserve his legacy for future generations. ](https://mahlerfoundation.org/)