It wasn’t the Count of Luxembourg, but someone at least as famous as him—Gérard Fritz Kaiser (alias Franz Josef)—who visited us at the Lehár Villa with his enchanting Françoise and their entourage. The music, as one might expect, was provided by Ralph Petruschka. Gérard may not be a count, but he is, in fact, from Luxembourg.

In near-tropical temperatures, Michael Lakner, the former artistic director of the Lehár Festival, together with Ralph Petruschka at the piano in the “Lehárgarten,” captivated us with his commentary and background information on Lehár’s operetta *Der Zarewitsch*. This is a format that will certainly be continued. July 16, 2026, Lehárvilla

Even before Franz Lehár became famous as one of the most important operetta composers, he was conducting as a military bandmaster in 1901. Eleven early recordings were made during this period. Kai-Uwe Garrels, who discovered these musical rarities, presents these unique historical documents to an enthusiastic audience.

Visitors were thoroughly delighted at the Sunday matinee at the Lehár Villa. In high spirits after a glass of sparkling wine, they began an in-depth guided tour of the villa. In Lehár’s two studies, his world-famous operetta melodies rang out, played on the very pianos on which they were composed. An exclusive experience for a maximum of 15 guests at a time, held every other Sunday […]

In May 2024, the Lehár Villa was ceremoniously reopened and has since delighted visitors as a unique cultural gem in Bad Ischl. Numerous guests, including representatives from politics, culture, and the interested public, attended the ceremony. The Lehár Villa, once the residence of the famous operetta composer Franz Lehár, presents itself in new splendor after extensive restoration work and invites visitors to […]