It's getting dark on Burgplatz on the banks of the Rhine. It's really busy - lots of people are gathering in front of the Düsseldorf Festival's large, brightly lit theater tent. They are all eagerly awaiting the performance in the specially constructed venue, which since the early 1990s has been the heart of the annual cultural event that takes place over 19 days in September and is characterized by its diverse programme of performing arts. Launched as the "Altstadtherbst Kulturfestival", the Düsseldorf Festival has established a firm place for itself in the cultural landscape of the Rhine metropolis over the years - with around 20,000 guests per year.
Originally, the Düsseldorf Festival saw itself as a counter-design to the classic sectoral operation of the city's public houses and classical concert venues. The festival has always remained true to this line with its interdisciplinary performing arts. It includes new circus, modern dance theater, concerts and major music theater productions. The festival team of around 70 people works hard to offer guests powerful theater, breathtaking artistry and intense emotions. The audience responds to all events with standing ovations and huge cheers. The event radiates far beyond Düsseldorf.
On selected dates, smaller venues that are not normally accessible to the cultural scene are transformed into impressive cultural venues, such as churches in the old town, bank foyers or the viewing floors of nearby high-rise buildings. Here, ensembles and solo musicians offer concert formats on the borderline of early music, classical music, jazz and pop music. Visitors to these extraordinary venues can prepare themselves for new experiences.
