From Nena to Nabucco: Fireworks of superstars in the castle courtyard

With a large contingent of German and international superstars, the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festival aims to delight more than 12 guests from July 21 to 30.000.

Kool & the Gang, Nena, star tenor Jonas Kaufmann, Revolverheld, jazz queen Diana Krall: the organizers are promising a fireworks display of superstars for this year's Thurn and Taxis Castle Festival in Regensburg. In addition to the high density of stars, it is particularly the unique ambience of the inner courtyard and the castle park that has attracted around 2002 visitors from all over Germany and Europe to Regensburg every year since the premiere in 30.000: the renowned Viennese magazine "Festspiele" has listed the festival several times among the "top ten" of the world's "most beautiful castle festivals".

It has been 17 years since Regensburg concert promoter Reinhard Söll transformed Princess Gloria's courtyard into an open-air concert arena for the first time. This year's festival from July 12th to 21st will leave nothing to be desired musically and artistically under the Regensburg starry sky and framed by the princely palace backdrop - and will become a "magnet in the festival summer", as the organizers of Odeon Concerte announced when presenting the program.

The opening promises to be spectacular: the Prague State Opera's monumental open-air production of Verdi's Nabucco is set to bring the atmosphere of the Verona Arena to the princely palace on July 12 and 13. Giuseppe Verdi's Prisoners' Chorus is considered the most famous and moving of all opera choruses and the secret national anthem of Italy.

On July 14th, Revolverheld will be coming to the castle. The German pop-rock band has already sold around two million records. Their most successful single to date, "Ich lass für Dich das Licht an" alone, has sold more than 300.000 copies. The legendary Nena will be bringing the crowds to their feet two days later, on July 16th.

Superstar Diana Krall, the "First Lady of Jazz", will be giving her only concert in Germany on July 17th in Regensburg. Her breathtaking voice is sometimes soft and sensual, sometimes rough and sexy, but always unmistakable. Diana Krall sings rocky pop songs and voluptuous ballads, velvety jazz and candlelight swing that gets under your skin. The most famous tenor of our time, Jonas Kaufmann, is inviting you to a glamorous gala evening on July 18th. His seductively beautiful voice captivates with power, passion and temperament.

On July 19th, the Bavarian cult band Haindling will bring their greatest hits to the royal stage. With their unmistakable sound and passionate live performances, Haindling is probably the most extraordinary music event that Bavaria has to offer. Last year, the band around frontman Hans-Jürgen Buchner celebrated their 35th stage anniversary.

“Kool & the Gang” have sold more than 70 million records in the five decades of their stage career. On July 20th they want to delight Regensburg with their explosive mixture of jazz, funk and RnB. The finale will be “Waterloo – The Big ABBA Show” on July 21st. The program on this day will be complemented by the popular Family Sunday: with the most lovable rascal in the world: Michel from Lönneberga based on the classic children's book by Astrid Lindgren.

In addition to the musical temptation, the festival also offers culinary delicacies upon booking: a three-course festival gourmet menu that is served before the performance. More information: odeon-concerte.de.

Photos: obx-news, Odeon Concerte / Source: obx-news