The incoming director of the Salzburg Festival is facing scrutiny over whether his plans would return the prestigious Austrian music event to the way it operated in the 1990s, according to Spiegel. The German news outlet reports that the question arises in the wake of allegations of abuse of power against the festival's previous director.
Spiegel frames the issue around the contrast between the old leadership and the new one, asking in its headline whether the successor intends to take the festival back to the decade of the 1990s. The publication's summary indicates the story is tied directly to the misconduct accusations leveled at the former intendant.
The Salzburg Festival is one of the classical music world's most prominent annual events, and the leadership of its director is closely watched. Spiegel's coverage suggests the change at the top has prompted debate not only about past conduct but also about the artistic and organizational model the festival should follow going forward.
The reporting, published Saturday, does not provide the full details of the new director's plans or the specific allegations against his predecessor in the material available.
What to watch next: whether the Salzburg Festival or its new leadership responds publicly to Spiegel's characterization of the direction being taken.