Far out at sea, the water is as blue as the most beautiful cornflowers, and as clear as the purest glass. …
A wonderful world full of colorful animals and plants is where the sea folk live. A world where Marie, the little mermaid, can move as freely and safely as a fish in the water. And yet she wants to leave, to go up into the other world beyond the surface of the water. But why leave the world one was born into? Why, one might ask, wonder Kasimir, the pufferfish, and especially Marie's father, the mighty sea king.
During a storm, Marie saved a young human prince from drowning and fell in love with him. Her longing to see him again and her curiosity about his world are so great that she enters into a dangerous bargain. She gives the old sea witch her enchanting voice in exchange for being able to live on land. However, the little mermaid takes a great risk, for if she fails to win the prince's heart, she must return to the sea and will turn into foam …

2 hours of captivating, spirited stage power!

Pure Emotion!

In a show lasting over two hours, highlights from the most famous musicals are impressively and atmospherically presented. Stars from the original productions showcase selected solo, duet, and ensemble numbers on a journey through the world of international musicals. World-renowned hits from the current Broadway musical "Aladdin" will equally delight the audience, as well as the sensational musicals "The Ice Queen" with the insane hit "Let it go" and "Moulin Rouge" with its passionate pop anthems full of glamour and emotion. Let yourself be swept away at "Die Nacht der Musicals" by a fireworks display of lively dance acrobatics and world-famous hits, and be there live when the star soloists present the most beautiful melodies of the catchiest songs!

Top-class music cocktail: International hit musicals, current hits, and well-loved classics!

Alongside classics like "The Lion King," "Mamma Mia," or "Dance of the Vampires," all-time favorites such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Cats," "The Rocky Horror Show," and "Elisabeth" must not be missed! Experience live how "The Phantom of the Opera" confesses his love to Christine or how the furry friends from "Cats" demonstrate their absolute cult character once again with "Memory." Let yourself be enchanted by a top-class music cocktail at "Die Nacht der Musicals"! Subject to change!

Diverse, varied, unique!

As diverse as the different musicals, so varied is "Die Nacht der Musicals." A refined light and sound concept, as well as elaborate costumes and lovingly designed stage sets, make this event the most popular musical gala with the atmosphere of New York's Broadway and London's West End! More than 3 million visitors have left "Die Nacht der Musicals" with a smile on their lips and kept it in unforgettable memory! This unique musical sensation will also captivate and enchant the audience more than ever during its 25th anniversary tour! The Ice Queen is coming!

United European Ballet
Schwanensee -Ballet with Orchestra
Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography: M. Petipa, L. Ivanov
Libretto: V. Begichev, W. Gaiser

For over a hundred years, no other ballet from the classical repertoire has enjoyed uncontested popularity like Schwanensee.
Especially "Schwanensee" captivates people worldwide, as it embodies everything that has made classical ballet famous.
The collaboration between composer Peter I. Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa was one of the happiest coincidences in ballet history. The fairy-tale "Schwanensee" story of the enchanted princess Odette is considered one of the great, timeless classics of ballet.
With utmost precision, the unforgettable and emotional compositions of Peter I. Tchaikovsky, a magical narrative, and spectacular dances are presented.
Music and dance are united here into a new language that everyone understands immediately.

The show is offered by the UNITED EUROPEAN BALLET, which brings together the most charismatic and talented dancers in the world.
Audiences immerse themselves in a world full of beauty, elegance, and harmony during this musical and dance performance and are enchanted by the myth of "Schwanensee".
Expressing emotions without words - that is classical ballet!

For the whole family
Filipp Frosch and the Secret of Water"
A play with Marko Simsa
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10 & 15 o'clock
Kulturhaus Knittelfeld, White Hall

A story about the water cycle by Marko Simsa with lots of music by Georg Graf & Sebastian Simsa, for people aged 4 and up.
Since Filipp Frosch was born, he has been surrounded by many sounds of water - he hears the stories of the babbling brook, the rhythm of the raindrops, and when he and his friends jump into the pond, a really juicy "splash!" resounds! Because Filipp Frosch is very curious, one day he asks himself: "Where does the water actually come from?" With this question, he faces a great mystery. So, he sets off on a journey to find the right answer from his friends and acquaintances. Although they don't know exactly either, each of them brings Filipp Frosch a small new insight. And in the end, he manages to discover the secret of the origin of water.

Highly esteemed audience!

Do you know the feeling of wanting to do everything completely right, while deep down knowing that you are probably doing it all wrong?
Then join in: you are in good company. Because something is always right. And if not something, then at least someone.
While everyone else is on the lookout for mistakes, Omar Sarsam takes you on a musical cabaret evening to search for what is right.
And if you also read the package insert beforehand, you will agree: “I believe there is something right.”

PACKAGE INSERT – STIMMT

Indications:
For sociable evening activities or in case of disturbance.

Mechanism of action:
Unrepentant optimism.

Dosing:
Once in the evening before going to sleep, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The following information is intended solely for doctors and medical professionals:

Totally awesome mood, dude.
Nice people and so on.
I swear bro, no hex symbol, that’s right.

Since 2014, "Auf A Wort" has further expanded its repertoire. The band can now also be booked with the program "Best of Austropop"! The best of STS is complemented here by a true fireworks display of hits from Austropop greats such as Reinhard Fendrich, Wolfgang Ambros, Georg Danzer (or Austria3), Peter Cornelius, Hubert von Goisern, EAV, and others. Songs from new, current Austropop bands like Wanda, Seiler&Speer, Pizzera&Jaus have also made it into the program – a lively party atmosphere is guaranteed!!!

With this program, numerous very successful performances have already been completed. A live CD titled "Best of Austropop" has also been released. The highlight in the band’s success story, which has now lasted over 10 years, took place on April 18, 2016, at the sold-out legendary Circus-Krone-Bau in Munich – the venue where the original Austropop artists also performed!

This event was further topped by an open-air concert as part of the Augustini Festival Days on August 23, 2019, in A-Fürstenfeld. "Auf A Wort" had the great honor of giving a much-celebrated concert in the hometown of STS's "T", Günter Timischl, on the fully occupied Augustinerplatz – and it just so happened to be 35 years after the release of the cult song "Fürstenfeld." This highlight was repeated in 2021!

New edition: Smart, elegant, and with a humorous spirit - that would be it! Everyone would be thrilled with us. But the reality looks like this: At work, effort goes unrecognized, the partnership is more work than enjoyment, and the children never do what they're supposed to. So we try to find the appropriate appreciation with endless chains of arguments. The "oh-so-wonderful" life often turns out to be an emotional flop.


But don't worry: Body language expert Stefan Verra takes us on a winking discovery journey in version 2.0 of the program "Vom Du zum SuperDu".

This means new insights, even more everyday situations, and many tips.

With humor, brains, and attitude, he shows how we can avoid embarrassing pitfalls and polish our appearance so that we not only come across well - but also truly shine.

With facial expressions, gestures, and just the right dose of self-irony, everyday life turns into a stage performance.


Once again, it holds true:

More laughter or more learning? Who knows after this evening.

Concert
Lebenslust - "Erkenntnis"
Friday, March 6, 2026, 7:30 PM
Kulturhaus Knittelfeld, Main Hall

Tamara Koller (Solo guitar, Bouzouki)
Susanne Steinkellner (Guitar, Mandolin)
"Charly", Dr. Karl Frewein (Keyboard, Saxophone, Clarinet)
Tamara Koller (Solo electric guitar, Acoustic guitar)
Mag. Robert Schönfelder (Bass)
DI Dr. Manfred Pölzl (Drums)

The group consists of five members who have found each other. 70 songs have been written by the individual band members themselves, developed and arranged musically together. In the last year, cover versions of Austrian and international artists have been added. That the titles are played live is a matter of course. The band values multi-part singing and music that is played honestly. Songs that life writes, presented with much emotion and high authenticity. Step by step, the band members try to write new songs so that "Big Pictures" can emerge. "Lebenslust" is a form of expression for the five on how to experience "life" in various facets "without limits." They ask themselves "What is a year," look for "change," and dream of "Greece." They have not "searched for it," but have found each other, and "music is our love."

The dominant woman, Mama, of multimillionaire Adrian von Schönhausen pressures him to finally present a suitable bride. The internal research department has been working for years on ROBERTA, the humanoid super AI. This could competently assist Adrian in both corporate and household management. Moreover, she is incredibly sexy. And thus, the outrageous story takes its "fully automatic" digital course, from one debacle to the next, leading to a wonderful, punchline-rich exchange between artificial intelligence and natural stupidity! Until ROBERTA increasingly perceives her roommates as a threat…

The five-time Amadeus Award winner Julian le Play will embark on a second extensive unplugged tour in 2026. The first 13 dates were completely sold out under the title "le Play unplugged." The musician reinterprets the most harmonious songs from his last five albums in special arrangements with his fantastic 7-piece live band. The focus of the tour is on the three great phases of human existence: Searching, Finding, and Letting Go. The cycle of these three states constantly accompanies us all, and le Play's songs tell of one of these three states. This special evening of songs is framed by very personal stories and anecdotes. Le Play has never been more genuine and relatable than on this tour, and he himself ignites a fireworks display of emotions on stage that showcases his entire artistry as a frontman, singer, and songwriter.
The concerts take place in fully seated concert halls and theaters to allow the audience an intense immersion into the lyrical world of the Viennese songwriter.

IMPRESSIVE AND ATMOSPHERIC PERFORMANCE

ABBA - Mamma Mia and much more brings the legendary pop group ABBA to the stage in an energetic and impressive show that will delight and thrill the audience! Hits like "Waterloo", "Fernando", "Money Money", "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia" and many more will ensure an unforgettable Abba concert evening. The audience will be transported back to the 1970s and 80s, singing and dancing to these unforgettable classics.

Perfectly coordinated international performers and singers embody the roles of Agnetha - Anni Fried - Benny and Björn, and present impressively and atmospherically in a two-hour show all Abba hits of the past 50 years!

"ABBA music is incredibly catchy and so much fun, and we love sharing it with the audience. We can't wait to see everyone dancing and singing along with us." (PURA VIDA MUSICAL ENTERPRISES)

GLAMOROUS, ECCENTRIC, ENCHANTING

An elaborate light and sound concept as well as beautiful glamorous costumes ensure an authentic performance in the style of the originals. The legendary Swedish cult band has not lost any of its allure to this day, uniting all generations in an unforgettable concert evening.

The ABBA - Mamma Mia and much more show captivates the audience with its energetic and authentic interpretations that reproduce the iconic sound of ABBA.

Look forward to a magical, unforgettable evening!

Clash of two worlds: In the musical highlight "Tarzan", the audience experiences a breathtaking jungle adventure alongside the title hero. Spectacular original compositions, plenty of tension, and a touch of romance ensure an entertaining live experience for the whole family!

Unforgettable Musical Show
Theater Liberi, known for its modern family musicals, stages the hundred-year-old story by Edgar Rice Burrough in a contemporary version. Imaginative costumes, a playful, colorful backdrop, and atmospheric lighting effects create the jungle world where Tarzan belongs. Musically, the audience is taken on a diverse journey through various genres that impress with grand arrangements and intense emotions. A well-trained ensemble ensures that characters, music, and sets on stage merge into a unique whole.

Exciting Adventures in the Jungle
A young family shipwrecks and is attacked by wild animals shortly after landing on the African coast. Left behind is a young boy, who is taken in and raised by the ape Kala as her own child. Despite finding a home with the apes and a good friend in the ape girl Tee, Tarzan still feels that he doesn't truly belong with them, even after years, under the leadership of Kerchak. The feeling of needing to find his place in the world becomes even stronger when Tarzan encounters humans for the first time. Professor Porter, his curious daughter Jane, and the shady Olivia Clayton are on an expedition to explore the jungle. Over time, Tarzan and Jane grow closer, but then events take a dramatic turn, putting Tarzan and his ape family in great danger…

Age: from 4 years old
Duration: 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission

Johann Sebastian Bach "Easter Oratorio"
Joseph Haydn "Nelson Mass"
Saturday, March 21, 7:00 PM
Great Hall

Claire E. Craig - Soprano; Anna Kargl - Alto; Matus Simko - Tenor; Tobias Lusser - Bass;
Chamber Orchestra Accento: Conductor Lore Schrettner; Project Choir Murtal
Overall Direction: Otto Kargl

The "Easter Oratorio" by J.S. Bach is one of the most significant sacred works of the composer and was performed for the first time on Easter Sunday in 1725. "Come, hurry, and run" depicts the discovery of the resurrection of Jesus by Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of James (vocal solos). The Easter event is liturgically presented through the mentioned protagonists, choir, and orchestra.
The "Nelson Mass" (Mass of Distress) premiered in 1798 at the parish church of Eisenstadt. It was created during the time of the Napoleonic Wars and is the only mass by J. Haydn in a minor key. The work owes its name to the fact that the British Admiral Nelson, after a victorious naval battle against the French, visited Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy, the patron of this mass. Four vocal soloists, choir, and orchestra evoke strong emotions, ranging from solemnity and distress to joyful celebration.

LEMO
After a completely sold-out unplugged tour with the corresponding album and his current release "Something with 30", LEMO presents his songs once again in selected locations in an acoustic setting. Attention, the tickets are strictly limited.

LEMOs partly autobiographical, partly keenly observant songs are already a great pleasure on record, with all the melancholy that some lines of text exude. Yet, more and more people are spreading the word that LEMO is particularly a brilliant live musician. Surrounded by a fantastic band, LEMO has been playing concerts across Austria and Germany for years, already filling 1000-seat venues in Austria. He is cool and approachable, both calm and yet playfully urgent and clear in every line of text. An artist through and through, who has found his very own way to shape Austrian pop into a touching form.

Even his first single "Maybe the Summer," which immediately stormed into the Top 25 of the Austrian charts, paved the way for a whole series of no less successful hits. With the hit "Do It," LEMO achieved another coup on his current album "Something with 30." For his talent to shape true emotions into songs, he received the Award for "Songwriter of the Year" three times in four years at the Amadeus Awards.

His songs function like a diary from his life. A life filled with emotions of the most diverse kind. From euphoria to melancholy, from loving devotion to the all-encompassing sadness over the end of a relationship: LEMO pours all those moments of profound feeling into songs that become a good friend to the listener, scarcely after hearing them once. All of this is presented in a nonchalant naturalness with his rough, life-experienced voice that captivates everyone immediately.

What does it feel like to stand in front of a bear family in the Canadian wilderness? What does it mean to fight against a sandstorm in the hot South American Atacama Desert? Cycling at an altitude of 5,000 meters or facing a lion in front of the tent? How does such an epic journey change a person's heart and soul?

The Tyrolean Thomas Widerin has deeply immersed himself in the world of a cycling adventurer during his solo ride with a gravel bike from Alaska to Austria. Along the way, he not only saw fascinating countries and met extraordinary people but also cycled right through the often mysterious world of (wild) animals. But he also had to learn to accept his physical and mental limits.

In a captivating multimedia presentation, the adventurer takes his audience along on the journey and shares all the beautiful, but also unusual and frustrating experiences.

Thomas Widerin, born in 1962, father of a son, lives in Seefeld in Tyrol (Austria). He was a police officer for 36 years, became a world champion in police multi-event, and conducted over 3,000 rescue missions as a flight rescuer in an ÖAMTC emergency helicopter.

By now, Thomas Widerin is continuously traveling worldwide with his gravel bike and has already experienced several major cycling adventures in many countries. Additionally, he is the author of 4 books and works as a freelance writer for several cycling and outdoor magazines.

It's high time! A new cabaret program is needed. A new apartment. A new city? Or perhaps the countryside? Kindergarten, career, customer account? Or continue as a guest? And if so, where to? Chrissi Buchmasser is under pressure, right in the rush hour of her life. Priorities need to be set, decisions made, and the tracks for the future laid. And that now. Because she knows: At some point, the train will have left for all of us.

After her award-winning debut "Braves Kind," we meet Chrissi Buchmasser in her second program at the symbolic platform of life. With sharp insights and refreshing humor, she takes us into the world of decisions. And at full speed.

Chrissi Buchmasser (1989, Stmk): She made her cabaret debut in 2021 at the prestigious Graz Kleinkunstvogel. In October 2022, her first solo program "Braves Kind" followed. In March 2023, she received both the jury and audience award at Freistädter Frischling. She has also appeared on television shows like "Pratersterne," "Kabarett im Turm," and "Die Tafelrunde." Exclusive insider tip from Buchmasser herself: Become a fan now, before I go mainstream.

His new comedy program about the daily struggle with the ultimate opponent: one's own life.

Gernot Kulis takes life as it is – head-on. Whether in chaotic family life, on adventurous trips with quirky encounters, or in an unbalanced duel against the artificially intelligent bathroom scale – conflicts lurk everywhere, and he solves them in just one way: with humor. He just can't help himself.

Equipped with A.I. – the Kulis Intelligence – he addresses the big and small questions of his life in his new program – always ready to find a joke, even in seriousness. And as always in his unmistakable style: energetic, multi-voiced, with full body involvement, and a pace that takes your breath away.

Gernot Kulis simply can't help it.

A program about friendship, marriage, and smart household appliances that just know too much.

Classical Concert
University Orchestra Leoben "Sehnsucht"
Thursday, May 21, 7:30 PM
Kulturhaus Knittelfeld, Grand Hall

With works by Antonín Dvořák and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
University Orchestra Leoben, Heinz Moser - Cello, David Schlager - Conductor

In 1976, Heinz Moser began cello lessons with Leopold Regner at the Municipal Music School Knittelfeld - where the Kulturhaus stands today. 50 years later, he takes the stage as a soloist alongside "his" orchestra and performs a large cello concerto for the first time in his homeland - the most famous and beloved by both audiences and cellists! Antonín Dvořák wrote it in America under the impression of the death of his young love, his sister-in-law Josefine, and the longing for his Bohemian homeland.
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was inspired by a two-year educational trip to Italy. His longing for the country inspired him to compose his "Italian" Symphony. The music sweeps the listeners into a whirlpool of temperamental zest for life and cheerfulness.
The orchestra will be conducted by the award-winning and emerging young Styrian conductor David Schlager, who has already thrilled audiences in Knittelfeld with spectacular productions.

Volksmusikabend mit Die Pagger Buam, Ligist 3, Filzmooser Tanzlmusi und Zirbitz Buam mit Petzi
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7:30 PM
Kulturhaus Knittelfeld, Main Hall

The four well-known folk music groups with a total of 12 musicians will meet on stage to spend an evening dedicated to local music. Whether it's folk music classics, popular hits, shows, or humor, the Pagger Buam and Ligist 3 from West Steiermark have the right mix for every audience and are always a guarantee for atmosphere, fun, and good mood. Authentic folk music from the Salzburg region is guaranteed by the trio of Filzmooser Tanzlmusi. They have made a name for themselves beyond Austria's borders with their distinctive sound. The "Zirbitz Buam" are an Upper Styria music group known for their rustic and genuine music. Since July 2003, Jürgen, Christian, and Petzi have been making music together. All groups are also known from appearances on television and radio, and they spread pure joy at festivals and celebrations.

Schedule:
19:25 - 19:30 Official Opening
19:30 - 20:10 Zirbitz Buam & Petzi
20:15 - 20:55 Ligist 3
21:15 - 21:55 Filzmooser Tanzlmusi
22:00 - 22:40 Pagger Buam

Gert Steinbäcker - the first S of STS is back on stage!

Gert Steinbäcker is one of the defining voices of Austrian music history.
As a songwriter, musician, and singer, he tells real stories that make his music timeless and touching.

With his album "44" released in 2022, he once again shows his creative potential. For this, he gathered the crème de la crème of the Austrian music scene - including EAV on "Roll over Bethlehem" as well as Wolfgang Ambros, Georg Danzer, and Ostbahn Kurti on "Alt und Jung".

An evening full of moving music that you definitely shouldn't miss!