"It has been 100 years since Lehár's *The Tsarevich* made its triumphant debut on stages around the world. To mark this occasion, Michael Lakner, former artistic director and namesake of the Lehár Festival, delves into the history and dramaturgy of this masterpiece, which also marks a milestone in the artistic friendship between the master and his exceptional tenor, Richard Tauber. Ralph Petruschka will provide musical excerpts from the operetta on the piano."

Price: €25
Location: in the garden of the Lehárvilla – in case of bad weather, at Hotel Austria
Please RSVP: leharvilla@stadtmuseum.at

MICHAEL LAKNER

Born in Vienna. Studied at the mdw (including piano, conducting, and voice) and at the MUK (art song accompaniment); studied law in Vienna (Ph.D. in 1985).
Artistic Director of the Graz Opera (1991–2001); Opera Director at Theater Basel (2001–2004); Artistic Director of the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl (2004–2017); Artistic Director of Bühne Baden (2017–2025).
Pianist and song accompanist, radio host (ORF), author, jury member. Lecturer at the mdw (2009–2017); since 2014, directing (opera, operetta, musical).
Awards include: “Professor” (2012), Culture and Tourism Awards (2015–2017), Grand Decoration of Merit of Lower Austria (2025). Honorary member of the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl.