Festival Rilke – I wander and I change

Description

For the 100th anniversary of the death of Rainer Maria Rilke, three institutions from literature, music, and landscape from three language regions have come together for the unique project "Festival Rilke 2026." Multicultural walks focus on the power of the word and the four important Swiss locations where they originated. The walks follow Rilke's traces in Switzerland. The largest festival in honor of the poet started on August 28-30 in Bergell. The second part now takes us to Rilke's stays in Winterthur and Berg am Irchel. Winterthur is undoubtedly the key place for his great Swiss work. Here, the decisive contacts with the Reinhart brothers began. On November 28, 1919, coming from Bergell, Rilke gave a lecture on invitation of the Literary Association. A "perfect place" and "a miracle" in every respect for Rilke was Berg am Irchel Castle, where he spent the winter of 1920/21. Readings of Rilke texts by Graziella Rossi and Helmut Vogel, also known in Winterthur, as well as contemporary spoken-word authors, point to the lyrical access to today. Rarely performed Rilke settings and two world premieres accompany the Rilke pilgrims on their way. A special moment will be the visit to the Tössertobel, where the old gong will sound in the sunbath to the eponymous Rilke poem. From Flaach through the Eigental, Rilke's path leads us to Berg am Irchel. The walks are accompanied by installations that create a dialogue between Rilke's words and the landscape. The festival is widely supported throughout Switzerland. Despite limited participant numbers, it is also possible to come directly to the events.

Highlights

• Artistic walks to Rilke's stays
• Readings by Graziella Rossi and Helmut Vogel
• World premieres of rare Rilke settings

General Information

The Festival Rilke celebrates the 100th anniversary of the death of Rainer Maria Rilke with multicultural walks in Winterthur and Berg am Irchel. The event includes readings, musical performances, and special places connected to Rilke's life and work.

Location

8415 Berg am Irchel, Switzerland

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