When celebrations take place in Burgenland, brass music is usually right at the forefront: hardly a reception, an anniversary, or a large festival in our villages and towns happens without a music band. And often, quite naturally, the associations also organize concerts, morning pints, and music festivals, which shape the cultural life in the region.
Today, around 4,000 musicians play in over 90 brass bands in Burgenland. They rehearse regularly, prepare for concert evaluations and competitions, and are active on weekends at various events – from festive ceremonies to village festivals.
The exhibition is dedicated to this vibrant tradition in all its facets. It focuses on the history of brass music in Burgenland, its instruments, and the people who have supported and developed it: conductors and officials, dedicated musicians, emerging talents – and all those who still passionately strive to ensure that the sound of brass music continues to live on in Burgenland.
But it’s not just about viewing: in the exhibition, you can also hear brass music. Dedicated acoustic stations invite visitors to immerse themselves in typical sound worlds – from traditional marches to modern concert programs. Furthermore, it becomes tangible what usually happens in the background: How are rehearsals conducted? How do individual voices create a collective sound? What is involved in preparing for a concert or a competition? And how does a performance unfold – from formation to ensemble playing to the last note?
Thus, the exhibition tells not only of past times but also shows brass music as what it still is in Burgenland today: a lived community, musical skill, and a piece of identity that connects generations.
DURATION OF EXHIBITION: Tuesday, 26.05.2026 - Thursday, 11.11.2027