Opera Superstar to Perform Before the Formula 1 Start at the Red Bull Ring
Formula 1 and opera have long formed a unique combination at the Red Bull Ring. In 2026, the worlds of top-level motorsport and music will come together once again, creating an extraordinary experience for spectators. Formula 1 fans at Spielberg can look forward to a live performance by Jonas Kaufmann.
On 28 June, the internationally acclaimed tenor will perform the Austrian national anthem just before the start of the Grand Prix. He will be accompanied by the East Tyrolean ensemble Musicbanda Franui. Together, they will bring “Land der Berge” to life on the start-finish straight of the Red Bull Ring.
Jonas Kaufmann: Opera Star and Austrian Resident
Jonas Kaufmann is widely regarded as one of the leading tenors of our time. Born in Munich, he regularly performs on the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert venues. His recent engagements include appearances in Puccini’s Tosca in Zurich and Paris.
At the turn of the year, he made his debut at the Vienna State Opera as Eisenstein in Johann Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus. Since 2022, the German-Austrian tenor has lived in Salzburg, and since 2024 he has served as Artistic Director of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl.
Musicbanda Franui Brings East Tyrolean Sound to Spielberg
The ten-member ensemble Musicbanda Franui hails from the East Tyrolean village of Innervillgraten. For more than 33 years, the group has performed in an almost unchanged line-up, appearing on renowned stages across Europe – from the Berlin State Opera and the Salzburg Festival to the Philharmonie de Paris.
The musicians have gained international recognition for their distinctive interpretations of classical works. On 28 June, they will combine Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Austrian national anthem and the extraordinary voice of Jonas Kaufmann, creating a unique musical prelude to the Formula 1 race at the Red Bull Ring.
