The Christmas story that has shaped our culture for more than 1500 years, embedded in the region around Werfenweng, Pfarrwerfen, Werfen, Hohenwerfen Castle and the Eisriesenwelt cave: a region characterised both by contrasts and by a tumultuous history. Bleakness, hardship, political turmoil and persecution had been what life was like for centuries for people who had to eke out a living in these mountains with the simplest of means. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape provides a counterpoint: the charm of the Werfenweng plateau, the dramatic power of the karst mountains, the defiant pugnacity of the castle. Winterklang Werfenweng (Werfenweng Sounds of Winter) combines the wonderful music of Johann Sebastian Bach with the magical winter landscape of Werfenweng. The focus of this fusion of the concert in Werfen parish church with images of the region is Christmas. Regardless of your religion, age or social background, Christmas touches all of us, whether spiritually or commercially, positively or negatively.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) BWV 248